Match Report: Solihull Moors vs Carlisle United
Written by Scott Cattell
Solihull Moors fell to a 2-1 defeat to Carlisle at Damson Park, as Rob Elliott's Cumbrian side staged an impressive comeback on the road.
New loan signing Sam Johnson started in goal for The Moors, coming in for Nat Ford. Ryan Woods returned to the midfield, replacing Joe Sbarra in the starting lineup.
It was another game that just wasn't to be for Solihull. Despite going in a goal ahead at the break through Ben Wodskou's thunderous strike, a gritty, resolute performance was undone with goals from Morgan Feeney and David Ajiboye in the last 20 minutes.
First half
It was a fairly even start to the game, with both teams struggling to deal with the horrendous weather conditions.
In Carlisle's first decent attack, Alex Whitmore slid in to block a stinging shot from outside the box, Junior Tiensia then stopped the resulting cross, and cleared the danger.
Coming up to the 10-minute mark, there was a bit of momentum building for The Moors, and as Jamie Andrews battled to win the ball back, Wakeling was set free down the right and won our first corner of the game. Marvin Johnson swung it in and almost caught out visiting goalkeeper Adam Desbois, who did well to follow the flight of the ball in the swirling wind.
Shortly after, Ben Wodskou turned well in the box and saw a snapshot deflected for another corner as The Moors began to dominate.
Carlisle then had a couple of attacks and corners of their own, with both attempts going harmlessly over the bar. Teddy Jenks nodded over Leo Duru's cross with the best of their chances, but the game remained goalless as Sam Johnson's goal was never under any serious threat.
A nice Solihull move then ended up with Johnson been put through on the left, but his low drive was comfortably saved by Desbois.
At the other end, Tiensia did well to prevent a cross into the box, deflecting the ball out for a corner. The whipped set-piece narrowly bypassed everyone in the box as Carlisle threatened to score the opener.
Micah Obiero broke through for the away side following a lovely through ball from Jenks, as he rounded Johnson, the keeper did just enough to slow him down, and the shot rolled across the goalmouth, before been cleared for a corner by the covering Jevon Mills. The following corner was met with a thumping header by Tyler French to clear, as Solihull's defence held firm.
Johnson, popping up on the right wing, then struck a powerful effort towards goal from the corner of the box, but was met by a terrific diving block, before Carlisle broke and came within inches of scoring. Former Moors midfielder Callum Whelan cut onto his right foot and clipped a great effort onto the outside of the post from 20 yards out.
GOAL - 45+3' Moors. With the last action of the first half, Jacob Wakeling won a free-kick when he was bundled over 25 yards out. Johnson took the set-piece, curled towards the far post, and the ball was half cleared...but only to Ben Wodskou who absolutely rifled into back of the net with his left foot from the tightest of angles. Terrific finish from the Solihull striker! 1-0
Half time score - Solihull Moors 1-0 Carlisle
Second half
Similarly to the first half, it was another even start to the second period. The first Carlisle attack saw Regan Linney lash over after bursting down the left and finding himself in space.
Linney was again involved with some good work on the left, before the ball was crossed into the box and kept alive at the back post by an outstretched attacker, but Johnson gathered the easily.
Away keeper Desbois came racing out to deny Wodskou, who was inches away from latching onto the end of a through ball that looked threatening.
Moors goalie Johnson then had to be switched on to come sliding out and collect, as Carlisle ramped up the pressure. Harvey Bunker then had a long-range effort deflected into the arms of Johnson.
Mills produced another fantastic block when Carlisle looked like scoring the equaliser, and shortly after, not to be outdone, Whitmore produced a sliding block of his own to put the ball out for a corner to the visitors.
Obiero then struck a tame effort at Johnson from around 20 yards as Carlisle ramped up the intensity.
Wodskou won his side a free-kick in a good position, following more great hold-up play. The ball was whipped in and just evaded Whitmore who was attempting to come in at the back post, while been pulled all over the place by a defender.
Manager Chris Millington made his first change of the game, bringing on Oscar Rutherford for Marvin Johnson.
GOAL - 69' Carlisle. Miguel Azeez struck an effort on goal from outside the box, that landed at the feet of Morgan Feeney, via a deflection, and the Carlisle Captain stroked the ball past Sam Johnson to equalise for his side. 1-1
In response to the equaliser, Joe Sbarra came on for Ryan Woods, who added another great game to his impressive loan spell. The experience midfielder was again a calm, composed figure in the wet and blustery conditions.
Carlisle, buoyed by the equaliser, were having their best spell of the game, and a good ball into the box was just too high for David Ajiboye, who glanced a header wide at full stretch.
Mills, having an outstanding game, blocked another goalbound effort from Ajeboye, before Rutherford cleared
Goal - 77' Carlisle. This time, Ajiboye wasn't to be denied, side-footing a volley towards Johnson, but the power on the shot beat The Moors keeper and just like that, the Cumbrian's had turned the game on its head. 1-2.
Florent Hoti and Elias Kachunga came on for High and Wodskou as Solihull looked for a way back into the game.
Tyler French had a glorious chance late on, when he hooked a close range effort agonisingly wide from a corner, when it looked as if the ball would end up in the back of the net.
Into the final 5 minutes, French was back in his own box, this time reading the danger brilliantly and clearing off the line to prevent a third Carlisle goal.
Kuchunga almost got through on goal when he tried to get onto the end of a flick-on from Wakeling in the first of 4 added minutes of injury time, but that was the last of the chances for The Moors, as Rob Elliott's side saw out the win.
Final score - Solihull Moors 1-2 Carlisle
In the end it was a bitter defeat in cold, wet and windy conditions after going a goal ahead and looking like taking something away from the game. The defence in particular made numerous crucial blocks, dominated the majority of aerial duels and made several clearances against a strong Carlisle side. We have a quick turnaround now as we gear up for two more National league fixtures next week.
Attendance - 1206 (585 away)
Thank you as always Moors fans, for the continued loyalty and support. We hope you have a safe journey home, and we'll see you soon. COYM! 💛💙
Sponsors man of the match - Ben Wodskou
Next up
We travel to Wealdstone in the National League on Tuesday 27th October, with a kick-off time of 19:45. To secure your coach seat for the Wealdstone match, please visit the link below -
https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/wealdstone_away_coach_travel_2627?version=m
On the 31st October, we return to Damson Park for more National League action as we host Kidderminster on Halloween. Kick-off is 15:00. Tickets for this fixture can be purchaced by clicking the link below-
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