FOOTBALL: ANOTHER difficult opposition lies ahead for Solihull Moors in the shape of Braintree, but manager Liam McDonald is refusing to put any pressure on his team as they edge closer towards National League survival.
Moors return to the Automated Technology Group Stadium this Saturday as they look to edge further away from the threat of relegation.
McDonald’s side sit nine points above the drop zone with 11 games left to play this season, and he knows his side are in for another difficult afternoon against a Braintree side who have won seven times on the road this season.
McDonald said: “We have put in a lot of video analysis in preparation for this Saturday’s home game against Braintree – they are a formidable side and I expect the toughest of matches.
“The Iron are just three points behind us albeit with a worse goal difference and have played one game more – they will be fighting to move further up the league to safety.
“They have recorded some good wins so far this year. A 5-0 away win at Bromley two weeks ago and home victories against North Ferriby and Eastleigh.
“In amongst recent games is an away draw at Forest Green Rovers and they will not have forgotten Harry White’s last minute penalty which gave us all three points at their ground.
“From our perspective another three points would be massive as we look to secure out first season in the top flight. There is, however, no pressure from me on the team – the points will come.
McDonald has been boosted by the news that defender Liam Daly should be available after limping off during Saturday’s 0-0 draw away at Dover, and he praised his team for filling the gap to become the first side this season to earn a clean sheet at Dover.
“His no nonsense approach on the pitch is certainly being noticed and I was delighted to see him included in last weekend’s Non League Paper’s Team of the Day.
“He is such an influence both on and off the park and he will not wish to miss a match through injury.
“That said I was delighted with the way the players plugged the gap when Liam had to leave the pitch.
“Calum Flanagan is naturally a central defender although I am asking him to fill the gap at left back occasioned by Connor Franklin’s injury. So he fitted in perfectly with Joel Kettle towards the end of game and our defence was rock solid. I am now in the fortunate position of having two ex captains (Calum and Joel) playing alongside our skipper.”
