ALEX Reid’s goal ensured Solihull Moors made a winning start to pre-season with a 1-0 victory against National League North side Alfreton Town.
Reid netted from a tight angle shortly before half time to settle the game on a sweltering afternoon at the Impact Arena.
Moors boss Neal Ardley handed starts to new signings Reid, Louie Moulden and Joey Jones with three trialists also included.
Solihull started the better of the two teams with Ryan Barnett shooting wide before Reid headed into the arms of the Alfreton goalkeeper.
And Moors were wasteful again soon after as Morgan Owen, one of five elite academy players included in the squad, fired over after good work from Barnett.
Alfreton spurned a glorious chance to take the lead when Matt Rhead blazed over from a counter attack after the ball had been cut back into his path.
And Solihull took advantage of that miss when Reid opened the scoring on 41 minutes when he pounced on a loose pass before finishing beyond George Willis from a tight angle.
Moors had chances to add to their lead with Joe Sbarra denied from close range and Andrew Dallas’s glancing header tipped over the bar.
Solihull’s young goalkeeper Jack Myatt made a couple of late saves to keep Moors lead intact as he made a crucial stop with his body to deny an Alfreton player when one on one.
Moors next pre-season friendly against Brackley Town takes place on Saturday, July 16 with kick-off at 3pm at St James Park.
