SOLIHULL Moors moved to within just two points of second-placed Guiseley in the Conference North thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Gainsborough Trinity.
The deluge of rain early Saturday morning had no adverse affect on the wonderful playing surface at the Autotech Stadium and with the added bonus of some low November sun, this was a perfect afternoon for the Mighty Moors to again face their old adversary Gainsborough Trinity, one of the oldest non-league football clubs with a history dating back to 1873.
Moors were keen to make up for the mid-week disappointment at Guiseley and restore parity but it was the visitors who enjoyed a bright opening ten minutes.
A chance to take the lead almost came from the kick off when Darren Stamp, signed during the week from Guiseley, should have tested Tony Breeden but allowed the ball to run wide.
Quinn shoved Bogle down from behind signalling that the visitors were more than aware of his potential threat but Solihull weathered the storm and were quickly into gear.
Bogle was enjoying his return to the team after England duties and lashed the ball goalwards on 12 minutes from a Ryan Beswick knock down and then tested Budtz from 12 yards as Moors piled on the pressure.
And on 26 minutes the opening goal came when Jordan Gough nut megged his defender and passed to Knights who deceptively flicked the ball to Beswick who in turn crossed to the waiting English to side foot home.
Trinity did their best to get back into the match whilst at the other end Bogle saw his goal-bound 18-yard effort cruelly deflected wide and again as half-time approached the big striker launched a shot from 35 yards out which was just wide of the upright.
Batson headed over for Gainsborough after the restart but effectively Moors put the match to bed on 58 minutes when Rob Elvins intercepted a wayward clearance and produced an inch perfect pass to Knights on the left flank who ran at the retreating defence before unleashing a thunderbolt into the net.
The visitors rallied and a good run down the left flank and hard cross from Davie eluded everyone including his forwards, whilst on the hour mark Forrest’s shot was well taken by Breeden.
Bogle brought out another fine save from Budtz on 70 minutes and the shot stopper was there again to deny Michael Nottingham from 30 yards but although the parry fell to Bogle he was adjudged offside. Trinity wasted a header in front of goal as the match went into added time whilst a speculative effort from Bateson was cleared by English
This Saturday Moors open their FA Trophy campaign with a home game against Redditch United at the Autotech Stadium (3pm).
Junior English and Darryl Knight celebrate Moors’ opener. (s)
