FOOTBALL: PROMOTION candidates Aldershot Town got the better of Solihull Moors on Saturday afternoon at Damson Park, winning by a goal to nil.
With Liam Daly back in central defence and loan signing Zain Westbrooke on the bench, Moors were in desperate need of points to avoid creating a gap between themselves and the survival zone.
But a first half strike restricted Moors’ progress as they remained in the drop zone following Saturday’s match with a game in hand.
With Kalern Thomas and Dan Cleary back in the starting line up Moors opted to use an attacking 5-3-2 formation.
The change in tactics almost paid dividends early on when Kristian Green put Afolayan through after a good run down the left flank from Kalern Thomas.
But it was the hosts that almost unlocked the game when a blistering shot from Kellermann brought out an equally brilliant save from National League Player of the Month Nathan Vaughan.
Aldershot took the lead just nine minutes into the game though when Rowe’s short corner was crossed to the far post by Taylor.
Taylor’s ball found Fenelon at the back post in acres of space – and he made no mistake in converting from five yards.
It proved be Fenelon’s last kick of the match as he pulled his hamstring in the process.
The visitors went close to adding a second moments later when Vaughan was forced into making a good save following a free kick.
Tempers flared when strong tackles between Thomas and Alexander resulted in a melee on the half way line. Both players were booked.
McDonnell went wide just before the whistle while Rowe was off target in the fourth minute of added time as the half drew to a close.
From the re-start, George Carline put Afolayan through to no avail while Kristian Green’s high cross landed on top of the net.
The hosts then caught Moors on the break.
Only the quick thinking of Vaughan saved the day as the Moors shot stopper raced out of his box to clear the danger.
Aldershot responded with Taylor skimming the bar whilst Kellerman’s attempt was thwarted before he could shoot.
Darren Carter then skied a short corner from Afolayan after a good interchange down the left flank between Green and Carline, while Rowe was just off target on the hour mark with an effort from 30 yards.
Despite the introduction of Westbrook, Aldershot remained a threat as Bobby Joe Taylor saw his 20-yard effort saved by Vaughan.
Moors’ best chance of the match came on 76 minutes when Fiacre Kelleher put a pin point cross to the far side of the box.
But Afolayan arrived late into the box and could only put his effort over the crossbar with the keeper no where to be seen.
Though Aldershot scrambled the ball over the line at the end, the goal was disallowed – leaving Moors left to reflect on a one-goal defeat.
Moors XI: Vaughan, Green, Thomas (Green P), Carter (Westbrooke), Murombedzi, Afolayan, Carline, Daly, Cleary (Dunkley), Kelleher, Campbell.
Subs Not Used; Kettle, Tonks.
Picture: Tom King.
