FOOTBALL: MOORS played out their pre-season friendly schedule against West Brom’s Under 23 team on Tuesday night, writes John Clothier.
Liam McDonald was able to use all 20 players on the night making full use of the substitutes after half time.
Jermaine Hylton was rested and Dapo Afolayan, although on the bench, was given the night off.
Four new trialists were also included.
It was to be a fine ending to Solihull’s preparation for the start of the new season at home to Chester this coming Saturday (3pm).
West Brom pressed from the first whistle but Paul Green marshalled his defence well as keeper Nathan Vaughan was rarely bothered.
Moors started to threaten as the half wore on but it was even with the keepers having a quiet game.
Then on 17 minutes Darren Carter curled a free kick towards the far post and poor defending gave Jordan Liburd a simple conversion to put Moors ahead.
Shep Murombedzi then put in a dangerous cross on 22 minutes to allow Luke Benbow to execute a bicycle kick which narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Another Carter cross found Tristian Dunkley in space but his header was off target.
It was Dunkley again in the thick of the action on 30 minutes but when he was clattered to the ground the referee pointed immediately to the penalty spot.
Simeon Maye stepped up but keeper Palmer guessed correctly and the shot was saved.
Alex Bradley skied a chance for the Baggies on 38 minutes but the last action of the half fell to George Carline who went close on the end of another pin point free kick from Carter.
The second half saw Moors still pushing forward – Benbow slewed a chance almost immediately whilst Jack Edwards went high and wide.
However, when Tom Tonks launched a trademark long throw on 51 minutes it fell to Benbow who managed a looping header over Palmer to double Moors’ advantage.
Good work from Benbow put Edwards through a minute later but he was closed down before he could shoot.
Despite nine changes, it was all Moors with trialists all enjoying possession on the wings.
A 2-0 win for Moors left boss Liam McDonald in a positive mood.
Picture: Steve Feeney.
