First Team Match Reports

Solihull Moors v Leek Town Ladies

8 - 0 Aug 15th 2021 at 15:00

Match Report

Solihull Moors v Leek Town Ladies
Solihull Moors v Leek Town Ladies

David Healey’s side returned to competitive action for the first time in nearly eight months - 239 days to be precise!

In a home tie against newly promoted Leek Town, Moors went into the match with a strong squad from which to choose.

Whiteman (GK), Ackroyd, Roberts, Creaney (Capt) Doocey, Price, McDonnell, Jackson, Lowe, Jefferies, Lundie.

Subs: Pagan, Reynolds, Gowlett, Leedham.

Leek Town won the toss and kicked off, and virtually straight away, were awarded a free-kick when Creaney brought the striker down on the edge of the box. The resulting free kick failed to cause any mayhem in the Moors box and drifted out for a goal kick. From then on in, it was the hosts calling the shots with Lowe going close on two occasions, and Jackson just failing to get a toe in on the ball to put it away.

With a quarter of an hour on the clock a clinical through ball from Jackson found Jefferies who took a touch before lashing the ball into the net. On 20 minutes there was a big turning point in the game when Lundie was brought down denying her a goal scoring opportunity, with the visiting defender being sent off, the resulting free-kick was deflected just wide. Leek were then reduced to nine when their striker was sent to the sin bin after saying something to the official.

On the half hour, Moors doubled their lead when a superb ball over the top found Lundie who stroked the ball home. Three minutes later it was three for Solihull when Lowe played the ball out wide to Ackroyd, she took one touch inside before unleashing a bullet from around 25 yards out that flew into the top corner.

Moors went into the break three goals to the good.

The hosts kicked off the second half as they finished the first and within a minute Ackroyd made ground down the left and played a ball into Lowe’s feet. She turned and fired a superb ball into the feet of Jefferies who cut inside and unleashed a powerful drive past the keeper.

Ten minutes in Leek nearly pulled one back. A corner was delivered into the home box, Whiteman in the Moors goal managed to get a hand on it and the rebound was put wide.

On the hour Lundie was replaced by Pagan. Four minutes later Solihull produced a great team goal, as Jackson brought the ball down then found Ackroyd on the left who gained ground before passing to Jefferies who played a ball into the box. With the onrushing McDonnell and Price racing to get the final touch past the keeper, it was the former who got to it first.

On 70 minutes captain Creaney was replaced by Reynolds who made her Moors debut. Two minutes later Moors made it six of the best - a defensive clearance by Leek only found Jackson who pumped the ball over the top and found Pagan who lifted it over the onrushing keeper. Two minutes later Pagan bagged her second after Lowe fired a bullet only for the keeper to make a great save onto the crossbar. Pagan pounced on the rebound to place the ball into the roof of the net.

On 85 Leek were working hard for a consolation and were nearly rewarded when a free kick was placed just over the bar. Two minutes later Moors rounded off the display with another goal to make it eight. A corner from Ackroyd found the head of new signing Roberts who nodded home from close range.

After the game assistant manager Josh Wright reflected on the energy and intensity of the team and gave special mentions to the two debutants.

Next up: Holwell Sports (A), Sunday 22nd August.

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