FOOTBALL: STRIKER Ricky Miller has been scoring goals for fun in the National League this season and Solihull Moors boss Liam McDonald knows his side must cut the service to Miller if they are to get anything out of Saturday’s trip to Dover Athletic.
Miller had scored no fewer than 30 goals so far this season and last weekend he bagged his fourth hat-trick of the season against Eastleigh to push Dover into the National League play-offs.
McDonald has pin-pointed Miller as on obvious threat, but he knows Dover will pose problems all across the park as the continues to secure the club’s National League status.
“Like all games, we study the opposition to arrive at a game plan for the particular match,” said McDonald.
“Of course we know of the ability of Ricky Miller and we have to be 100 per cent aware of exactly where he is on the pitch at any time but really that applies to the whole Dover team.
“They are high in the league because of the team effort and it is a very good side, Miller will inevitably receive most of the plaudits but so should the defence and mid field. It is they who supply the passes to him and get the team their clean sheets.
“So we will not specifically target any one individual in out tactical approach. It will be a tight game and we need to make sure that Ricky Miller does not make the difference.”
McDonald will take a walk down memory lane at the Crabble this weekend as he returns to the ground where his journey as a footballer began.
But there will not be much time for any sentiments as his Moors side look to cause an upset against a side who have lost just four times at home this season.
He continued: “There should be a real atmosphere at Crabble this weekend and my players will enjoy it.
“For me personally it evokes a bit of nostalgia because that is where I made by debut for my first club, Worcester City when I was 17 years old.
“We will be the under dogs this weekend so I am sure the lads will rise to the occasion, particularly to put their last performance against Wrexham behind them
“I am pleased with the fitness within the team and with the recoveries being made by Andy Brown and Connor Franklin. Dapo Afolayan is getting stronger with each match. Callum Flanagan’s technical ability has impressed in all the games he has played for us.
“We will as always look to be the first to score on Saturday and know what that means not just to us but to the travelling fans. Keep up the vocal support at Dover because it really can make all the difference”
McDonald was in reflective mood after the disappointment on Tuesday when the home match against Torquay United was called off just an hour before kick off due to the deluge of rain which left the pitch waterlogged.
He added: “I felt for the players, some of whom were due to make their first starts in the team, but there can be no arguing with the referee’s decision.
“It wouldn’t have been much fun either for the Torquay players and fans who had already arrived at the ATG stadium.”
