BRADLEY Stevenson scored a brace to earn Chris Millington his first win as Solihull Moors boss with a 2-0 victory against Braintree Town.
Stevenson netted either side of half time to seal the points at Damson Park as Moors won for the first time under new boss Millington at the third attempt.
The result means Moors sit 17th in the National League table, five points clear of the relegation zone, as Millington tasted victory in his first home match at the helm.
Moors went close early on a fine move ended with Ben Worman scooping a shot into the arms of Mason Terry in the Braintree goal.
The visitors responded with a chance of their own as Laurie Walker tipped Marley Marshall-Miranda’s low effort behind for a corner following a set-piece.
However, Moors broke the deadlock on 18 minutes when Stevenson volleyed home from point-blank range after Terry could only parry Oscar Rutherford’s looping header into the scorer’s path.
Braintree tested Walker again soon after as the Moors stopper pushed Jacob Pinnington’s powerful effort to safety.
And Walker then denied Chay Cooper who tried his luck from 20-yards out before reacting sharply at his near post to keep put Aidan Francis-Clarke.
The Moors goalkeeper came to the home side’s rescue again shortly before half time as he held Terrell Works’ tame effort from inside the penalty area.
Walker kept out a stinging effort from Cooper just past the hour mark as Braintree continued to search for an equaliser.
However, Moors doubled their lead against the run of play on 71 minutes as Stevenson finished on the volley from close range.
Defender Brad Nicholson launched a long throw into the box from the right which Worman nodded goalwards and Stevenson headed against the crossbar before the latter finished at the second attempt.
Solihull are next in action against Blackburn Rovers under-21s on Tuesday, October 21 with kick-off at 7.45pm at Damson Park.
