MARCUS Bignot is challenging his Solihull Moors side to continue their impressive run of form against the best that the National League has to offer as the club prepares for its biggest test yet.
Despite being tipped for a difficult season in their debut outing at the top tier of non-league football, Moors have defied expectations so far having picked up ten points out of a possible 15 which places them inside the play-off positions.
Moors will be hoping to keep their run of form going away at Eastleigh this Saturday before hosting former Football League outfit Macclesfield Town.
Bignot is well aware of the task in hand but is challenging his players to rise to the occasion.
“We welcome the chance to pit our wits against opposition of this quality,” said Bignot.
“Like most of the teams we play this season the Spitfires are a relatively unknown quantity but they are an ambitious club with the financial support to challenge for honours again this campaign having finished in the play offs in 2015 and just outside last season.
To underline that, following a poor start they have in the last week appointed the vastly experienced Ronnie Moore as their manager.
“I am under no illusions but that come the end of this season they will be there or thereabouts in the promotion race.
“Unlike us they can bring in ‘quick fix’ solutions when they have problems on the pitch – with us its evolution not revolution. This will be a tough match but we are looking forward to it.
“Then within 48 hours Macclesfield Town visit the Automated Technology Group Stadium. They have made a good start to the season which sees them sitting just outside the play off positions.
“The “Silkmen” are full time and the club’s infra structure is geared to getting back into the Football League after a four year absence. It’s another hard game for us but after our pre season matches that is nothing new.”
Moors’ impressive start to life in the National League has come as a surprise to many, especially following a disappointing pre-season campaign in terms of results, which saw Bignot’s side win just one of eight friendly matches.
The loss of skipper Theo Streete through injury was also a major blow but Moors have taken everything in their stride and Bignot remains hopeful they can continue to spring a few more surprises.
“I think our league performances to date have raised a few eye brows but perhaps people were reading too much into the pre-season results,” Bignot added.
“For me it was absolutely vital that those games were against tough league opposition and now we are seeing the benefits.
“Losing 11 of the title winning squad and now our captain Theo Street to injury has meant a different approach this season. Coupled with ability to play at this level and above, I wanted players with the strength of character to face whatever is thrown at us.
“We have seen a ‘never say die’ attitude on the pitch in every game we have played so far, particularly Sutton, Woking and Guiseley and at the end of the season it is the imprint of those qualities that I want everyone to remember.
“I am realistic about what lies ahead but delighted with what we have already achieved. We have hit nine goals in five games and from six different players – that is already stamping our character on the National League.”
