Moors 1-1 Kidderminster Harriers
Tuesday, July 8
SOLIHULL Moors’ summer friendlies began with hard fought draw for against higher league opposition.
Despite several new names in the squad at The Autotech Stadium, Marcus Bignot’s men appeared to gel very quickly and had the opening chance of the game after 60 seconds – Darryl Knights’ snapshot held by Daniel Lewis.
Moors did take the lead in the 12th minute though, created by new signings Owen Story and Darren Byfield. Story raced onto a loose ball, evaded two challenges and squared the ball to former Bristol City striker Byfield, who laid off Knights for a cool finish into the bottom corner.
Harriers eventually settled and registered their first shot on the quarter-hour mark. Reece Styche found unmarked teammate Callum Gittings with a well-placed header, but Deale Chamberlain made an excellent reaction save to maintain the lead.
Chamberlain was called into action again minutes later, denying Nathan Blissett from close range.
The visitors showed their Conference Premier class, without finding the back of the net, as the first half went on. Another summer signing, defender Liam Daly, ensured Moors held a one-goal advantage at half time when he superbly blocked Ahmed Obeng’s shot.
The second half was much quieter. Reece Fleet tried his luck from distance, while Kieran Nesbitt skied his free-kick after Story earned a foul on the edge of the box with some mazy dribbling.
However ‘Kiddy’ equalised midway through the half, substitutes David Kalonji and Craig Reid linking up well before the latter calmly dinked the ball over the Solihull keeper.
Aside from the occasional speculative effort, chances were few and far between, but a mistake nearly gifted Moors victory with less than eight minutes remaining. Harriers keeper Lewis fumbled a cross and Michael Taylor looked set to pounce only for a goal-saving intervention from Josh Gowling.
The result was a satisfactory way to start the preseason schedule, and Moors next face St Albans City at The Autotech Stadium on Saturday, July 12th (3pm kick off).
For Moors’ fixtures turn to page 95.
