The Moors Business Club kicked off its 2026/27 programme at MAN Commercial Protection, bringing together businesses from across Solihull and the wider region for an afternoon of networking, food and drink, and insights into local business and sport. The opening event gave members the opportunity to meet fellow business leaders and hear the stories behind the success of a panel of special guests. Following time to network, guests heard from Iain McCallister, Oscar McCracken and Gary Newbon, who shared their perspectives on business, leadership and their experiences within sport and beyond. Our thanks go to MAN Commercial Protection for hosting the event and providing a fantastic setting for the launch. As Official Partners of Solihull Moors FC and Patrons of the Moors Business Club for the 2026/27 season, MAN Commercial Protection supports the Club’s ambition to build a thriving business network across the region. The opening event marked a strong start to a programme that will offer members networking opportunities, exclusive Club access and matchday experiences throughout the season. The next Moors Business Club event will take place in December, when Patrons and Members will be welcomed to Damson Park for a Christmas social quiz, sponsored by Konsileo. We look forward to bringing everyone together again for another enjoyable afternoon with the Moors Business Club.
Chris Millington’s Solihull Moors will return to National League action when they take on a Worthing side led by current boss Adam Hinshelwood at Woodside Road on Saturday afternoon. Victory for the Moors would be significant for their campaign, as they look to climb up the table this term. The newly promoted Rebels currently occupy a spot in the upper reaches of the league table, as they target a spot in the playoffs come the end of the 2026/27 season. It would be a statement victory for Millington’s men, with their opponents also looking to emerge with all three points. Worthing Association Football Club were founded all the way back in February 1886, beginning life with People’s Park (now Homefield Park), before then moving to Beach House Park a few years later in 1889. They began by playing some friendlies whilst also competing in the local Sussex Senior Cup, beating their first tie in the competition, doing so up against Brighton Hornets back on 27 th November 1886. It was in the 1891/92 season that Worthing were able to reach their first-ever Sussex Senior Cup, losing to the aforementioned Brighton Hornets, before then going on to finally win the competition a season later after being able to beat Eastbourne 2 – 1 at the County Ground in Hove, and they have since gone on to win it 21 times, most recently in 1999. In 1896, Worthing were founder members of the West Sussex Senior League alongside local rivals Worthing Athletic, founded in 1891. In 1903/04, three Worthing players were called up for senior international football. S.S. Harris and E.G.D. Wright were called up by England, whilst Charlie Webb was called up by Ireland. Harris was playing for the Three Lions whilst still being a Worthing player. In the 1936/37 season, Worthing managed to reach the First Round Proper of the English FA Cup, where they succumbed to a defeat at the hands of Yeovil & Petters United (now known as Yeovil Town FC), losing 4 – 3. They had beaten Wimbledon in the fourth qualifying round. Worthing joined the Corinthian League in the 1948/49 season, though they had little joy in the competition, finishing bottom on four occasions. By the early 1960s, Worthing AFC found themselves in the Athenian League Premier Division, where they would spend three seasons before suffering two relegations in as many seasons, which saw them drop down to Division Two of the Athenian League system. Worthing recovered, and by the 1971/72 season, they were able to return to Division One as runners-up to Staines Town before then reaching the final of the Athenian League Cup the following season, where they would lose 2 – 0 to Amateur Cup Finalists Slough Town in extra time. In 1977, Worthing decided to leave the Athenian League, joining the Isthmian League Division Two. Former manager Barry Lloyd was appointed by the club back in 1981, and won the Division Two title in the 1981/82 season, with the prolific goal scorer Micky Edmonds leading their scoring charts with an astonishing 53 goals in all competitions. They were also able to reach the Second Round Proper of the FA Cup, losing 4 – 0 in the end to Oxford United. In the 1985/86 season, manager Lloyd left for Brighton & Hove Albion, and in the following season, 1986/87, Worthing were relegated down to Division One from the Premier Division. Then, four years later, they were to only finish bottom of Division One with just 10 points whilst also conceding as many as 157 goals overall. Gerry Armstrong, a former Northern Ireland international, was then appointed manager in the 1991/92 season. The following season, the 1992/93 campaign, they were able to win Division Two for a second time and were the first club to do so. Manager Armstrong decided to leave the club in the summer of 1994, with his successor, John Robson, then being appointed in his place. They regained their status in the Premier Division under Robson’s stewardship after being runners-up to Boreham Wood whilst also reaching the First Round Proper of the English FA Cup, losing 3 – 1 to Bournemouth after having initially taken the lead. Worthing finished bottom of the Premier Division the season after before Robson was then replaced by Brian Donnelly as manager at Christmas in 1996. After being in danger of relegation in 1996/97, they recovered to avoid relegation after winning all five of their remaining games. Then in November 2001, former boss Barry Lloyd made his return as manager for what was a second spell in charge. 2003/04 saw Worthing regain their place in the Premier Division following a second place finish whilst also reaching the Senior Cup Final and the last 32 of the FA Trophy, losing the latter to the eventual winners Hednesford Town. The 2009/10 campaign, the 125 th of Worthing’s history, was the first season for then boss Chris White, and they did win some silverware after defeating Horsham in order to lift the Brighton Charity Cup in what was the last match of the season. Fast forward to Christmas Day of 2013, which was when the current boss, Adam Hinshelwood, took charge of Worthing Association Football Club for the very first time following the departures of caretaker managers Mick Fogden and Jon Meeney. Fogden and Meeney took charge after the departure of joint-managers Lee Brace and Kieran Collins. A sixth place finish was achieved in the league in the 2014/15 season after the ups and downs of the season, as well as doubts over the club’s future. They were also one of only two teams to have beaten the runaway league champions that year, Burgess Hill Town. George Dowell, a former Worthing player, took over the club as owner at the end of the 2014/15 season. He immediately went about stabilising the club by wiping away the debts whilst also installing a new 3G pitch. The Rebel’s Tavern was also to go through a makeover as well, with it being converted into The 7HQ Sports Bar and Café whilst also continuing the improvements to Woodside Road. Once the 2015/16 season had come to an end, Worthing AFC had gotten themselves promoted to the Isthmian League Premier Division season having won the playoffs. They were now about to embark on what was to be their first season in step three in eight years. Worthing finished 14 th in that league in 2016/17. In February 2017, star striker Omar Buigel decided to leave the club for Forest Green Rovers, who were on their way to the English Football League, and they would do so by beating Tranmere Rovers in the National League Promotion Final at Wembley. It was on 9 th September 2018 when Hinshelwood made his return as manager of the club for what was his second spell in charge following the resignation of former manager Gary Elphick. 2018/19 saw Worthing challenge for promotion, with them occupying the playoff spots, only for them to fall away in the end, ending up in 9 th place by the end of April and having a poor run of form in their final five league games of the season. The 2019/20 season was interrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic that emerged mid-March of 2020. Their campaign was declared null and void, with the final standings in the table being decided on a points-per-game basis. They had been occupying a playoff spot, and they could have been champions, or at least compete for promotion via the playoffs. They were almost able to reach the Final of the Sussex Senior Cup, only being denied by a defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Not long after that, their academy player, Fin Stevens, moved on to Championship club Brentford in July 2020, with the Bees now, of course, a firmly established Premier League side. In 2025/26, Worthing Association Football Club were able to secure themselves what was a historic promotion to the Enterprise National League after winning the National League South title after finishing with 84 points following 46 matches. Worthing will be looking to remain in the fifth tier, the first step of non-league football, in 2026/27, with them now competing for the playoffs in these early stages of the season. In the opposition dugout – Adam Hinshelwood Current boss Adam Hinshelwood is enjoying his third stint in charge of Worthing AFC, having been in charge since his return was confirmed back on 9 th October 2025. He had previously been in charge for two years between 2013 and 2015, and then for 7 years between 2017 and 2024. He helped guide them to their promotion to the National League from the National League South last term. Hinshelwood has also had managerial spells in charge of the likes of Selsey (2011 - 2013), Hastings United (2017), and York City (2024 - 2025). He has also had a playing career that spanned 8 years between 2002 and 2010, representing Brighton & Hove Albion (2002 - 2009), Lewes (Loan, 2008), Aldershot Town (2009 – 2010), and finally Wycombe Wanderers back in 2010. Adam Hinshelwood’s son, Jack Hinshelwood, stars in the Premier League for the aforementioned Brighton & Hove Albion, joining the club in 2012 before being part of the first team for the first time back in 2023. Key Player – Razzaq Coleman De Graft Razzaq Coleman De Graft is arguably Worthing’s key player, and he is their leading goal scorer with 5 goals so far this term, as of the time of writing. He is a prolific forward, scoring 13 goals and getting 9 assists to boot in the 2025/26 season. De Graft was previously in the academies of Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Charlton Athletic, as well as having a brief spell with Weymouth. He has also spent time with the likes of Tooting & Mitcham United, Hampton & Richmond Borough, and Lewes, with whom he had two spells. He joined his current club, Worthing, as one of the first signings in the summer ahead of the 2024/25 season. Opposition Overview written by Adam Holt
Solihull Moors came from behind to beat Newcastle U21's 2-1 at Damson Park in the National League Cup on Tuesday night. The home side made a disastrous start to the game, going behind early on after a mistake at the back allowed Alfie Seddon to open the scoring for Newcastle. Solihull equalised when Ben Wodskou's header found the back of the net to send the sides in level at half-time. The Moors came out much brighter and grew in confidence in a second half that was capped off by academy star Flynn Coffey scoring his first goal for the club, with what proved to be the winning goal. Team news Nat Ford replaced Max Metcalfe in goal as Chris Millington made several changes from Saturday's National League defeat to Halifax. Striker Ben Wodskou returned from injury, and started alongside Tyrell Warren, Oscar Rutherford, Rio Shipston, Junior Tiensia and Flynn Coffey, who also came back into the side from the start. Today's new arrivals, Elias Kachunga and Marvin Johnson both started the game on the bench. Kick-off GOAL - 3' Newcastle. A mix up at the back between Mills and Ford led to the visitors going through on goal. The initial effort struck the post, before falling nicely to number Alfie Seddon, who made no mistake from 10 yards out. 0-1 A couple of direct runs from Oscar Rutherford were all The Moors had to offer in the 10 minutes following the goal, until Flo Hoti was taken down on the edge of the box. Matty Carson thundered the resulting free-kick into the wall and the keeper came to collect the high, loose ball. The left-back also fired in several threatening crosses that just evaded his teammates in the box. A chance for Newcastle then followed, but their striker could only scuff his effort when the ball landed at his feet. There were a couple of half-chances for Solihull around the 25-minute mark. First was a Junior Tiensia header that went well wide, and then Ben Wodskou slashed an effort over the bar, but visiting goalkeeper Mair had little to do up until this point. GOAL 37' Moors. The ball seemed to stay in the air for a while as a game of head tennis emerged in the box, but eventually Ben Wodskou nodded in from close-range on his return to the side. 1-1 Carter Pinnington came flying in to block a shot and deny the visitors a great chance of a goal down the other end as the game opened up. Newcastle striker Ca broke through and had a cross well blocked. And then 11 almost scored direct from a corner as the ball looked to be floating in at the back post. Nat Ford had other ideas and tipped the ball over the bar at full stretch to keep the score at 1-1. The visitors final chance of the half fell to Kouossu, who smashed an effort straight at Ford from outside the box. Half-time score Solihull Moors 1-1 Newcastle U21's Second half Scott High and new signing Elias Kachunga came on for Rutherford and Wodskou for the start of the second half. Ferreira whipped a shot across goal that had Ford worried in The Moors goal, but it went harmlessly wide as the away side were limited to long-range attempts. GOAL - 55' Moors. Flynn Coffey scored his first goal for The Moors when debutant Elias Kachunga showed great strength and composure to keep the ball and square to Coffey, who took a touch and placed into the far corner. A great moment for the youngster in front of the home fans. 2-1 Not long after, Flo Hoti then opened up the visitor's defence with a bit of skill in the box, before cutting in on his right foot and curling wide, via a deflection. From the resulting corner, Carter Pinnington was inches away from getting a touch on a Carson corner that would have put his side into a commanding lead. Newcastle wing-back Charlton broke through and rifled into the side netting from the left-hand side, before the visitor's number 17 headed just wide in a rare couple of attack for Newcastle in the second half. Mills and Pinnington continued to get in crucial blocks to prevent several dangerous attacks as the visitors ramped up the pressure. With 15 minutes to go, as Newcastle broke through, Ford came flying out to confidently take the ball at the feet of Ca, who was about to pull the trigger. Great goalkeeping from The Moors stopper. Midfielder Jamie Andrews came on alongside Elijah Hyde Moore, who was making his Solihull Moors debut. The duo replaced Flo Hoti and Rio Shipston. Another debutant, Kachunga nearly dinked the ball over the keepers head, after initially slipping when going for goal. Mair in the Newcastle goal did well to push it away, before Carson's venomous follow up was blocked as the visitor's defence came under siege. Into the final 5, Ca had another shot from the edge of the area, which was again saved well by Ford and cleared away. Jevon Mills then had a cose range header brilliantly kept out by a combination of Mair and the defence following a long Andrews throw-in A couple of Newcastle shots followed from distance, as they became desperate for an equaliser, the best effort was shot from 25 yards that was deflected wide and out for a corner. Full-time Solihull Moors 2-1 Newcastle U21's In the end it was a solid win for The Moors after a shaky start. A good number of minutes were also put into the legs of the players that needed it most, aswell as giving others time to rest and recover. The debutants impressed and added quality, energy and a much-needed boost of confidence. A first Solihull goal for Flynn Coffey was the icing on the cake under the floodlights of Damson Park. All in all, a good night's work. Moors fans, thank you as always for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you soon, and wish you a safe journey home. COYM💛💙 Next up An away trip to Worthing awaits The Moors on Saturday 10th October, 3pm kick-off. Supporters wishing to travel can purchase their coach tickets on the link below - https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/worthing_away_coach_travel_2627?version=m Match report written by Scott Cattell
Solihull Moors are delighted to welcome Marvin Johnson back to the Club on a short-term contract until 9th January. The experienced wing-back returns to where his career began, having represented the Moors between 2009 and 2011 before going on to establish himself in the Football League. During his early career, Johnson also gained experience on loan at Coleshill Town before moving to Romulus, where he finished as the club’s leading scorer in the 2011/12 season. He now returns to Damson Park with a wealth of experience from the Championship and League One, adding versatility and quality to Chris Millington’s squad. Johnson spent four years with Sheffield Wednesday, helping the Owls secure promotion to the Championship in 2023, before joining Port Vale. He was also part of the Sheffield United squad that achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2018/19. Comfortable operating in several positions on the left, Johnson offers another option at both ends of the pitch. First team manager Chris Millington added: “ It’s great to welcome Marvin back to the Club. He brings valuable experience, real quality on the left and versatility that gives us options across the squad.” Welcome back to the Moors, Marvin!
Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of forward Elias Kachunga on a short-term contract until 9th January. Joining as a free agent, Kachunga brings extensive experience across English and German football, including spells in the Premier League, Championship and Bundesliga. He began his career with Borussia Mönchengladbach before representing SC Paderborn and FC Ingolstadt. Kachunga moved to England in 2016, joining Huddersfield Town on loan and scoring 13 goals during the campaign as the Terriers secured promotion to the Premier League. The move became permanent the following season, and he went on to represent Sheffield Wednesday and Bolton Wanderers before joining Cambridge United in 2023. During his time at Bolton, Kachunga helped the club lift the EFL Trophy, scoring in their 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle at Wembley. Able to operate across the front line, he adds experience and versatility to the Moors’ attacking options. Speaking on the move, Chris Millington said: “Elias has played at a high level and brings plenty of experience to our attacking options. He can play across the front line, and we’re looking forward to working with him.” Welcome to the Moors, Elias!
TICKETS Season Tickets Season tickets are not valid for this fixture. All tickets are free and can be claimed here . Opening times and turnstile access The car park will open at 5:00pm The box office for ticket collection will be open from 5:30pm The Main Bar and Trevor Stevens Bar will open at 5:30pm Please note that Flasks are not permitted into the stadium Hospitality/Executive Boxes Hospitality doors for this fixture will open at 5:30pm. Junior Tickets 15-year-olds and under must be accompanied by a full-paying adult on the day of the match; otherwise, U16 ticket holders may be refused entry to the venue: turning up to the match without a full-paying adult is a safeguarding issue. Young Supporter Matchday Prices The following prices will be available for all home National League fixtures during the 2026/27 season: Under-12s: £1 with a paying adult Ages 12-15: £7.50 with a paying adult Ages 16-24: £11 All supporters wishing to purchase a ticket in one of these age categories must register for the Club’s free Young Supporters Membership Scheme. If you're aged 16 or 17, you need to be part of the Young Supporters Scheme to enter the stadium on your own; otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter the stadium unaccompanied. SAFEGUARDING RE ADMISSION: Note for reference, those supporters aged 15 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult to enter the ground, i.e. the individual must be 16 or over. Matchday Entry Supporters must present their valid membership card when entering Damson Park using a young supporter ticket. Under-12s and ages 12–15 must enter through Turnstiles 1 or 2 alongside their parent or guardian. Supporters aged 16–24 must enter through Turnstile 3. Under-16s must attend with a responsible adult (at a ratio of 2 children per one adult) and will not be permitted to enter the stadium unaccompanied. Any more than two children per one adult, please email ticketing@solihullmoorsfc.co.uk in advance to organise this request. To find out more about the admission & Young Supporters Membership: https://www.solihullmoorsfc.co.uk/solihull-moors-reduces-matchday-ticket-prices-for-young-supporters REFRESHMENTS Supporters can purchase alcohol and refreshments from the Main Bar & the Trevor Stevens Suite. GETTING HERE PARKING The Car Park is open from 5:00pm Please do not park on the Damson Parkway dual carriageway – this is a red route and parking here is strictly prohibited. Supporters will receive tickets for parking illegally, so we stress the importance of utilising the NCP Car Park and planning your journey well in advance. If fans forget to pay before leaving, they will still be able to pay via Post Pay within 24 hours of exiting the car park however this will charge them the original tariff. Failure to pay will result in a Parking Charge. To learn more, including tariffs and PostPay, please visit: https://www.birminghamairport.co.uk/parking/freeport-car-park . Any Fans using the Car park can use the code ‘MOORS26’ to receive the discounted Rate of £6 for up to 5 hours. This Code will need to be used on the Pay Machine near the exit of the Car Park. Any supporters' coaches must drop fans off at the NCP parking point, as the Damson Parkway dual carriageway is a red route. It is at the coach driver’s discretion to drop supporters off on the red route; supporters must then walk from the NCP Car Park to the stadium. Travel by Bus The X12 bus runs to the ground every 15/20 minutes from Solihull Town Centre, the NCP and Birmingham International. In night matches, this increases to every 30 minutes. Click here to view the X12 bus route, stops and full timetable . Travel by Train Solihull Railway Station is served by trains from Birmingham Moor Street and London Marylebone. The ground is situated two and a half miles away from the station in a roughly north-easterly direction. Birmingham International Station is roughly one and a half miles from the ground and is on the Euston to Birmingham New Street line. Kick It Out You can report an incident of discrimination via the Kick It Out App, which can be used on iPhone and Android devices. Phone – 0800 169 9414 Twitter - @kickitout , or by contacting the organisation’s Reporting Officers on @kickitoutreport. Solihull Moors Supporters Association Click here to find out more about the Solihull Moors Supporters Association.
Chris Millington’s Solihull Moors are set to take a break from their 2026/27 National League campaign as they take on Newcastle United’s Under 21s in their latest match of this season’s National League Cup at Damson Park. The Moors will be hoping to secure their first win in this competition this term after being beaten by Leeds’ Under 21s last time out. The most recent game for the Newcastle Under 21s, led by manager Robbie Stockdale, was in the EFL Trophy against League One outfit Bradford City at Valley Parade. They narrowly lost 2 – 1, with Matheos Ferreira scoring the only goal for the ten man Magpies, whilst Nick Powell got the goals for the hosts. In terms of their Premier League 2 campaign, their last match saw them get beaten 2 – 0 by Leeds United at the LNER Community Stadium in York. The most recent competitive victory for Newcastle’s Under 21s was actually against York City in an EFL Cup encounter at the same stadium where the Magpies won 3 – 1. As of the time of writing, Newcastle United’s Under 21s team are languishing all the way down in 30 th place in the Premier League 2 table, sitting on 0 points after three games. They have avoided being bottom of the table courtesy of Wolves’ Under 21s, who have a worse goal difference than their counterparts from the North East. As a whole, Newcastle United are a club with a significant amount of history, having been founded all the way back in 1881, though the sport of football didn’t really take off in the North East until 1890. Newcastle United are a result of a combination of two clubs. One began life being known as Stanley, though after being often confused with clubs of the same name in County Durham, they decided to change their name to Newcastle East End. The other was West End Football Club. They initially played their football at a pitch off the Great North Road, doing so in the summer of 1885, and a year later they took over the lease of St. James’ Park. 1884 had seen West End and East End Football Clubs become the area’s best football teams. Despite the fact that the English Football League was formed in April 1888, the clubs in Tyneside instead helped form a local Northern League, and in the 1889/90 season, West End Football Club ended up in second place behind Darlington St. Augustine. However, in the years that followed, West End Football Club did struggle financially, and in May 1892 East End agreed a deal to move to St. James’ Park, taking charge of what remained of West End’s defunct assets. East End were now Tyneside’s only senior football club. In a meeting in December 1892 at Bath Lane Hall, close to St. James’ Park, they concluded that they wanted to attract a wider support from the city as a whole. After several discussions, East End became how we know them today, Newcastle United, on Friday 9 th December 1892. The Magpies’ first major trophy was the First Division title in the 1904/05 season, and they did go on to win it a further three times, most recently winning it for a fourth time back in the 1926/27, when they were able to finish 5 points ahead of runners-up Huddersfield Town. They have also won the Second Division four times, doing so in 1964/65, 1992/93, 2009/10, and again in 2016/17. Newcastle have won the historic FA Cup on a number of occasions, having lifted it 6 times so far, as of the time of writing. They first won it in the 1909/10 season, following it up with wins in 1923/24, 1931/32, 1950/51, 1951/52, and most recently in 1954/55. Their 1955 FA Cup trophy win was of course at Wembley; it saw them beat Manchester City 3 – 1. Newcastle United scored through Jackie Milburn, Bobby Mitchell, and George Hannah, whilst the Cityzens scored their only goal from the boot of inside forward Bobby Johnstone. The Magpies’ only FA Charity Shield was won in 1909, with them beating Northampton Town 2 – 0 in the end. They have been runners-up to win this trophy five times in 1932, 1951, 1952, 1955, and 1996, losing to Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United (1952 & 1996), and Chelsea respectively. Newcastle won the Texaco Cup in both 1973/74 and 1974/75, whilst also lifting the Anglo-Italian Cup back in 1973. On the European Stage, they first won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup back in the 1968/69 season, beating Hungarian outfit Ujpest 6 – 2 over two legs. They won the first leg 3 – 0 and then the second leg was won narrowly 3 – 2. They also won the now-defunct UEFA Intertoto Cup back in 2006. The club has played in Europe several times over the years, most recently in the highly coveted UEFA Champions League last season (2025/26), reaching the Round of 16, where they lost 8 – 3 on aggregate to FC Barcelona. In the league phase, they finished in 12 th place with 14 points to their name, while beating the likes of Belgium’s Union Saint-Gilloise 4 – 0, Portugal’s Benfica 3 - 0, Spain’s Athletic Bilbao 2 – 0 ], and finally the Netherlands’ PSV Eindhoven 3 – 0. They also earned credible draws against Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen 2 – 2 and France’s Paris Saint-Germain 1 – 1. They were drawn against Azerbaijan’s Qarabag in the knockout phase play-offs. They won 6 – 1 away from home in Baku before being victorious again on Tyneside, this time winning 3 – 2 at St. James’ Park to secure a 9 – 3 victory on aggregate. Over the years, Newcastle United have spent only a few seasons outside of the Premier League, with the Magpies being one of the mainstays of the English top flight, and they have not dropped back down to the second tier since their Premier League return in 2017. They have had many famous, iconic players over the years. One of them is, of course, Alan Shearer, who is the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer with 260 goals, and he also has 64 assists. Shearer was part of the team that finished runners-up twice, in consecutive seasons, back in 1995/96 and in 1996/97. Last season (2025/26), Newcastle United finished in 12 th place in the Premier League, and this term (2026/27), they will hope to make their return to European Football by finishing somewhere in the top seven of the top flight of English Football. In the opposition dugout – Robbie Stockdale Robbie Stockdale has been Newcastle United Under 21s manager since his appointment back on 13 th March 2026, with the 2026/27 campaign being his first full season in charge of the Magpies’ Under 21 side. Stockdale has been in coaching before. He was joint caretaker of Grimsby Town in 2011 before being in charge of their youth team for the 2011/12 campaign. He then moved on to a similar role at Sunderland, having the job from 2012 to 2018, though he was in caretaker charge of the Black Cats on several occasions back in 2015, 2017, and 2018. He took charge of Rochdale in 2021, but left a year later in 2022 after just one season. In terms of a playing career, Robbie Stockdale played as a defender for 15 years, from 1997 until his retirement in 2012. He played for the likes of Middlesbrough (1997 - 2004), Sheffield Wednesday (Loan, 2000), West Ham United (Loan, 2003 - 2004), Rotherham United (Loan, 2004; 2004 - 2005), Hull City (2005 - 2006), Darlington (Loan, 2006), Tranmere Rovers (2006 - 2008), and finally the aforementioned Grimsby Town, who he played for, for four years between 2008 and 2012. Key Player – Vakhtang Salia Georgian footballer Vakhtang Salia, who plays as a forward, is arguably Newcastle United Under 21s’ key player, being their leading goalscorer in all competitions so far this season with as many as 3 goals in all so far. He made the move to the Magpies from Georgian giants Dinamo Tbilisi back in 2025, having agreed the deal back on 29 th October 2024. He joined Tbilisi’s academy before becoming part of their second team in 2023, before making his professional debut for the club’s senior team against Torpedo Kutaisi on 24 th November 2023. Salia then scored his first goal against the same opponents later on in the 2023/24 season on 10 th March 2024. He scored the winning goal in a 1 – 0 triumph. Opposition overview written by Adam Holt
Solihull Moors were comfortably beaten 2-0 by FC Halifax at Damson Park in the Enterprise National League, as Chris Millington faced his former side. Team news Florent Hoti was given his full debut for The Moors after impressing off the bench against Woking in midweek. The midfielder came in for Ryan Woods, who went off with a knock in that game. Tyler French started his first game since returning from injury, replacing Tyrell Warren, who was serving a one-game suspension following his booking on Tuesday. Also making a welcome return from injury was Oscar Rutherford, who made a matchday squad for the first time this season, starting the game on the bench. It was a cagey start for both sides, as they struggled to keep possession for long periods. Halifax grew more into the game and had the better of the opportunities as The Moors failed to trouble the away side too much. The second half began in a similar manner, until Cruz Allen scored following a mistake in the Solihull defence. Halifax went on to score again, this time an inch-perfect free-kick from Tommy McDermott. More chances came and went for Halifax, as The Moors just couldn't find a way back into the game. The result means Chris Millington's men remain in 23rd position in the table. Kick-off Joe Sbarra had an early effort that went just wide of the post. Tommy McDermott then cut in on his left foot for the visitors, only to be denied when Jevon Mills made a cracking block. The second ball was then thundered out by the head of Chey Dunkley. With just over 10 minutes played, McDermott was again involved. A cross was played in from the left, and the Halifax winger hit the bar when unmarked at the back post. The linesman then belatedly raised his flag for offside. DISALLOWED GOAL - 16' Halifax. Another offside decision, this time the ball did end up in the back of the net, but was ruled out for the away side. Striker Conor Carty broke through and slotted past Max Metcalfe, but the celebrations were cut short when the flag went up. Cruz Allen had a powerful effort from the edge of the box blocked, before Dunkley went down with what appeared to be a thigh injury. The recent signing couldn't continue, and had to be replaced by captain Alex Whitmore. A huge let-off then followed for the home side, a sloppy pass straight to Halifax striker Carty on the edge of the penalty area was played into the box, but Scott High read the danger and cleared from near his own goal line. Another attack down the Halifax left produced arguably the best chance of the half so far. A cross was whipped in hard and low, again falling to McDermott, but the winger could only find the side netting with the goal at his mercy around 6 yards out. With Solihull been pushed further and further back, Halifax put several decent crosses into the box, Jevon Mills excellently clearing from one, before Metcalfe made two great saves. The first in particular, clawing away an effort that looked to already be past him, before a very similar one down to his right that came from a less powerful strike. Shortly after, a Halifax midfielder fired high over the bar, before McDermott curled narrowly wide, again showing the danger he posed when cutting in from the right, and onto his favoured left foot. The ball fell the nicely to Carty, who couldn't get enough on his shot inside the box, and the ball was caught comfortably by Metcalfe. In a rare Moors attack, Tyler French found himself in space on the right-hand side of the box, his cross falling just short of Wakeling who was ready to pounce. On 40 minutes, whilst trying to prevent a throw-in, Halifax's Ben Tollitt took a tumble over the advertising boards and had a seat with the away fans, giving himself a brief rest after all of his hard work in the first-half. In the 2nd minute of injury time at the end of the half, defender Alex Bardell's effort from a corner was well dealt with by Metcalfe, who palmed away his close-range header to keep the scores level at the break. Half time - 0-0 Second half An attacking substitution by Chris Millington for the start of the second half saw winger Junior Tiensia come on to replace defender Carter Pinnington. A great Jamie Andrews tackle to stop a Halifax break, set the Moors on an attack of their own, Wakeling did well with little support and won a corner. Solihull rode their luck again as Halifax somehow couldn't manage to convert a ball that was whipped in with pace, straight across the 6-yard box. The away side won a free-kick in a worrying position for The Moors, Tollitt curled low, and forced a great save from Metcalfe. The ball was recycled and then fell back to the feet of Tollitt again, who this time dragged wide from 20 yards. GOAL - 55' Halifax. A mix up in The Moors defence allowed Cruz Allen an unchallenged run through on goal and he placed calmly past Metcalfe to break the deadlock for the away side. 0-1. The Moors, trying to respond to the setback, went on an attack that ended with a French cross falling to the feet of Jacob Wakeling. The strikers hooked effort going just wide of the near post. GOAL - 60' Halifax. The visitors won a free-kick on the edge of the box when McDermott was bundled over. It was McDermott himself who stepped up to take the resulting set-piece, sending a beautiful, curling effort into the top corner with his left foot, leaving Metcalfe with no chance. 0-2. The Shaymen almost scored a third, with Carty hitting the crossbar, before Mills cleared the danger before a Halifax attacker could respond. Scott High then had a half-chance that he couldn't keep down, firing over from the edge of the box. Wakeling found some space to run into and broke through on the left, smashing his effort straight at Halifax keeper True Grant. Manager Chris Millington made a double substitution with just over 20 minutes left to play, bringing on Oscar Rutherford and Rio Shipston for Florent Hoti and Matty Carson, in an attempt to find a way back into the game. With Halifax looking increasingly dangerous, another chance went begging, this time Conor Carty diverted a cross towards goal, but Metcalfe was there again The dangerous McDermott curled over 20 yards after finding space on the right again. Substitute Rutherford, making his 150th appearance for the Enterprise National League, was looking lively on the right wing, and some nice link-up play with French put him through on the right, Rutherford's cross fell to High, who's shot was well blocked. Another burst down the wing by Rutherford followed, with our returning number 21 putting a good cross into the head of Wakeling, who could only head over. The final minutes fizzled out, with Halifax happy to see out the game and take home the 3 points, which moved them up to 13th in the table, and The Moors struggling to create any clear-cut chances. Full-time - Solihull Moors 0-2 FC Halifax. Attendance 966 (including 149 travelling fans) Moors fans, thank you for your continued support and backing of the boys in this tough period. We look forward to seeing you soon. We hope you have a safe journey home. COYM💛💙 Next up We host Newcastle U21's in the National League Cup on Tuesday 6th October at Damson Park. Kick-off 7pm. Tickets for this fixture are free, but need to be claimed using the link below - https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/solihull_moors_v_newcastle_national_league_cup?version=m We're back in league action on Saturday 10th October as we face Worthing at the Sussex Transport Community Stadium. Kick-off 3pm. Travelling supporters can purchase coach tickets below - https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/worthing_away_coach_travel_2627?version=m
Solihull Moors host Halifax Town at Damson Park on Saturday. The Moors come off an emphatic 4-2 away win at Woking midweek, while Halifax were held to a 1-1 home draw with Boston on Tuesday. Andy’s Bet Club are on hand to preview all our key games for the 2026/27 season. Their site is packed with free football tips that are updated daily with expert insight. Match Preview Solihull Moors head into this fixture off the back of a 4-2 win away at Woking, in a game where they scored with every shot on target they had. Goals from Jacob Wakeling, Scott High, and a Jamie Andrews brace were enough to hand the Moors their second win of the season. Halifax were held to a 1-1 draw last time out against Boston in a game where they were comfortably the better side. Conor Carty scored Halifax’s only goal of the game after Lennon Wheeldon gave the visitors the lead in the 30th minute. Solihull’s result means they have closed the gap between themselves and getting out of the bottom four, whilst Halifax sit 15th after three league games without a win. Solihull Moors Form Guide Solihull’s 4-2 win at Woking came from just 0.61 xG to Woking’s 1.88. The Moors had eight shots with four on target, meaning Chris Millington’s side scored with every shot on target they had. Jacob Wakeling, Scott High, and Jamie Andrews all got on the scoresheet in a game where the first half saw five goals. This was the Moors' first league away win of the season, and a win on Saturday to see them on the cusp of leaping out of the drop zone after two wins in their last four league games. Halifax Town Form Guide Halifax racked up 2.11 xG in their 1-1 draw against Boston, in a game where they had a whopping 12 shots on target. They also had 57% possession, but went behind after Lennon Wheeldon gave Boston the lead. Chris Carty then equalised for Halifax with a chance worth only 0.08 xG. Ben Tollitt had the best chance of the game for Halifax with a chance worth 0.23 xG. Tactical Insight Solihull will need to replicate their shooting efficiency if they are to get a result against Halifax here. Halifax were left frustrated, having 18 shots with 12 on target against Boston and limiting their opponents to just 0.79 xG. The likes of Jacob Walking have been a constant attacking threat for the Moors this season, and despite their position in the league, have shown tendencies to post impressive xG stats in games. The Woking game was a sign that Solihull can take their chances. If they are as efficient against Halifax as they were against Woking, Chris Millington’s side could see this as a chance to get a run going. Conclusion Win on Saturday and Solihull will be on the cusp of breaking out of the bottom four. Halifax are winless in three, and a big away win couldn’t have come at a better time for Solihull. Visit Andy’s Bet Club for daily free betting tips and free betting offers from the top UK-licensed bookmakers.
Chris Millington and his Solihull Moors team are facing an FC Halifax Town side led by their current Head Coach John McGrath at Damson Park in their latest game of the 2026/27 Enterprise National League season. A victory for The Moors would see them build momentum whilst also climbing up the fifth tier table. The Shaymen, who are the former club of Premier League winner Jamie Vardy, find themselves around the midtable region of the league table, and they know that a win would see them make ground on those above them. Millington’s side will, of course, have ambitions to prevent their opponents from securing all three crucial points. FC Halifax Town is, of course, a phoenix club. The original club was called Halifax Town Association Football Club, who were formed all the way back on 24 th May 1911. Formed at the Saddle Hotel, they played their football in the Yorkshire Combination and the Midland League before then becoming one of the founding members of the Football League Third Division North in 1921. They remained there until 1958, which was when there was a league restructuring, and subsequently they became members of the Football League Third Division. We will now fast forward to the 1970/71 season; they finished third, which was one place below promotion from the Football League Third Division. However, then in 1971/72, they were only just able to avoid relegation, doing so on goal difference after Rotherham United had lost on the final day of the season against Tranmere Rovers. However, in 1976, they were relegated down to Division Four. Then in 1993, they were relegated once again, this time to the Football Conference ahead of the following season, the 1993/94 campaign. In 1996/97, they avoided relegation under returning boss George Mullhall, which came after they had a few poor seasons and some financial problems. Then in the 1997/98 season, they had a superb campaign, winning the league title with the likes of Jamie Paterson, Mark Bradshaw, and Lee Martin in the squad. Their top goalscorer was Geoff Horsfield, who was able to find the back of the net on several occasions, with him scoring as many as 30 goals in the end. Chris Wilder was the boss when the club found themselves in the Conference again in the 2001/02 season, and in their first season back, they finished in 8 th place. In 2005/06, they finished in 4 th , but could not get promotion by losing to Hereford United in the Conference League Play-Off Final. Fast forward to 2007, The Shaymen found themselves in financial trouble again and were placed into administration by a local consortium. And, despite being deducted 10 points, they still survived relegation. They were still wound up after an appeal. Then in May 2008, things got worse for Halifax when they, following a major error, owed more than £800,000 to HMRC, with the club now more than £2 million in the red. They would cease to exist. It was also in 2008 that the phoenix club, FC Halifax Town, was formed who Solihull Moors will soon be facing once more. They were accepted to play in the Northern Premier League Division One North for the 2008/09 season. Neil Aspin was appointed manager in April 2009, and in his first season in charge, 2009/10, they had what turned out to be a very successful campaign, winning the league after amassing 100 points whilst scoring as many as 108 goals as a team in the process. In the 2010/11 season, they found themselves in the Northern Premier League, the seventh tier of English Football. This was the season when they signed Leicester City legend and former England international Jamie Vardy. They got automatic promotion to the Conference North after beating Retford United 2 – 0, also securing them the league title. Vardy then left for Fleetwood Town in the early stages of the 2011/12 season, finishing third before then losing in the playoffs to Gainsborough Trinity 3 – 2 on aggregate. Promotion to the National League was sealed in 2012/13 when, after finishing in 5 th place, they beat local side Guiseley 3 – 1 on aggregate in the playoff semi-finals before then going on to get the better of Brackley Town in the final, with the solitary goal to win the game 1 – 0 coming from striker Lee Gregory. The fifth tier was now, and still is, the highest level that FC Halifax Town has ever been, and in their first season at this level, they got all the way to the promotion playoffs semi-final, where they would lose 2 – 1 to Cambridge United. Fast forward to 2015/16, and it saw them get relegated down to the sixth tier despite the best efforts of former North Ferriby United manager Billy Heath. They were able to make an immediate return to the National League after a third place finish in 2016/17, beating Chorley 2 – 1 after extra time in the final, after having beaten Salford City 3 – 0 on penalties in the semi-finals after the scoreline was level at 1 – 1 after extra time. It was in 2018 when FC Halifax Town became full time, with Pete Wild taking over from former boss Jamie Fullarton. They lost out in the playoffs semi finals 2 – 1 to Boreham Wood in 2018/19 before a 10 th place finish the following season. The 2021/22 season was a great one for Halifax, who were able to achieve their highest ever position in the English Football Pyramid since their formation back in May 2008. They were able to finish in 4 th place, getting into the playoffs where they lost 2 – 1 at home to Chesterfield. Shortly after, Pete Wild left the club for League Two side Barrow, with Wild being replaced by the current Solihull Moors boss Chris Millington. The club reached the National League playoffs again in the 2023/24 season when they finished in 7 th place, losing 4 – 2 to the aforementioned Solihull Moors. They were then eliminated again the next season, this time losing 4 – 0 to Oldham Athletic in 2024/25. Then in June 2025, Adam Lakeland took charge as their new manager before then leaving back in April 2026, when he took charge of Morecambe after finishing in 8 th place. Current boss John McGrath was then announced as his successor in May 2026. In 2026/27, McGrath’s Shaymen will be hoping to finish in the top half, and maybe finish in the playoffs once again. In the opposition dugout – John McGrath Current Halifax boss John McGrath has been in charge ever since he took over back on 19 th May 2026, replacing Adam Lakeland in the Shaymen dugout. Before joining the team, he was in charge of National League club Buxton, where he was in charge for two years between May 2024 and May 2026, when he left for FC Halifax Town. Before that stint with Buxton, he was in charge of Mickleover, which was his first job in senior club management. He was with them for as many as 8 years, from 2016 to 2024, when he left for the aforementioned Buxton FC. McGrath also had a playing career that lasted for more than 20 years, 21 years to be exact, from 2001 to 2022. He represented the likes of Aston Villa (2001 - 2003), Dagenham & Redbridge (Loan, 2002 - 2003), Doncaster Rovers (2003 - 2005), Shrewsbury Town (Loan, 2004), Kidderminster Harriers (2005), Limerick (2005), Weymouth (2006), Tamworth (2006 - 2007), Burton Albion (2007 - 2013), York City (Loan, 2013), Alfreton Town (2013 - 2014), and finally the aforementioned Mickleover from 2015 to his retirement in 2022. Key Player – Zak Gilsenan Halifax’s key player is arguably wide forward Zak Gilsenan, with the 23 year old being their joint top goal scorer this season so far with 3, tied with Ben Tollitt. Gilsenan is a new signing for The Shaymen, having joined from Grimsby Town back on 6 th July 2026, signing a one year deal with an option of an additional year. Other clubs that Gilsenan has played for include the likes of Blackburn Rovers (2023 - 2025), the aforementioned Grimsby Town (2025 - 2026), Buxton (Loan, 2026), Gateshead (Loan, 2026), and, of course, current club Halifax Town, from July 2026. Gilsenan has also spent time as a youth player for the likes of Carramar Cougars, Sorrento (leaving in 2011), Perth Glory (2011 - 2012), FC Barcelona (2012 – 2014), Liverpool (2014 - 2019), and finally Blackburn in 2019, being promoted to their senior team back in 2023.
