FOOTBALL: AN OPENING goal from Fiacre Kelleher couldn’t be built on as Solihull Moors slipped to a 4-1 loss at Boreham Wood, writes John Clothier.
The defeat leaves Liam McDonald’s side rooted to the bottom of the National League table with a game in hand.
Ideal conditions greeted Moors upon arrival at Meadow Park, which now boasts a 4G all weather pitch.
Moors were still without a number of key players with new signing Tahvor Campbell not on the team sheet while he recovers from a slight knock.
A corner seconds into the game could’ve saw Moors go behind early on as they failed to immediately clear their lines and Boreham Wood hit the crossbar.
Moors steadied themselves and on nine minutes George Carline had a chipped effort saved by keeper Grant Smith before Boreham Wood went close from a corner again as a free header was cleared off the line by Tom Tonks.
Efforts from Luke Benbow and Shep Murombedzi were not taken, however Moors didn’t have to wait long before taking the lead.
Tonks unleased a trademark long throw just past the half hour mark. A goalline scramble followed before it was bundled home by Kelleher to put Moors ahead.
Moors’ lack of structure in their own half eventually told though as Boreham Wood levelled from a corner when Turley’s strike found the back of the net.
Five minute later the hosts went ahead as the unchallenged Andrade tapped home from a cross.
Moors then found themselves two goals down after 43 minutes when Tonks failed to connect with a high ball into the box, which left Benson the task of vollying home the loose ball – a chance he comfortably took.
McDonald opted to make no changes at half time as Solihull started the second half with more structure.
But on 58 minutes Boreham Wood effectively wrapped up the game when Balanta struck from close range.
Jack Edwards replaced Tonks on the hour mark while Tristian Dunkley came on for Benbow.
The changes had a positive effect on Moors’ game as Dunkley was soon in the thick of things as he forced Smith into a panic clearance which rebounded off the advancing Moorsman just the wrong side of the post.
Darren Carter then shot wide from 18 yards on 66 minutes whilst Trueman saved well from Keita.
A low effort from Afolayan with minutes remaining was then blasted over the bar as Moors ended the game pointless.
McDonald’s side are back in action on Tuesday night at the Automated Technology Group Stadium against Barrow.
The Bluebirds sit mid table with four points from their opening three games. Moors having played two matches, are bottom.
Pictures: Tom King.
