MOORS got their Vanarama National League North campaign off to a roaring start after cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory at home to AFC Fylde.
On what was a blistering hot, sunny day, manager Marcus Bignot had all 11 summer signings available resulting in what was probably the strongest bench fans had ever seen at the
Automated Technology Group Stadium.
The hosts were straight at the ‘Coasters’ but Fylde had the first scoring opportunity when Sumner side-footed wide early on.
Stefan Moore’s shot was blocked by Hinchcliffe before on 11 minutes Andy Brown found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he chose to place his shot instead of blasting it but Hinchcliffe was well placed.
Darryl Knights was linking well with Moore and Connor Franklin down the left flank and Michael Nottingham provided width on the right with his over lapping runs as Solihull stretched Fylde.
On 18 minutes Moors opened their account from a driven corner from Knights. Theo Streete rose to head the ball towards the top left-hand corner but with Hinchcliffe beaten, Allen on the goal line punched the ball over the bar. Referee Mike D’Aguilar immediately pointed to the spot and red carded Allen and Moore coolly despatched the ball into the far corner of the goal.
Fylde were denied by Brown heading out a well taken corner from which Moors broke down the left with scintillating play between Knights and Moore. Moore had the final say as he slotted a low drive into the far corner for Solihull’s second goal on 23 minutes.
Moors were relentless as they pushed forward against the ten men while at the other end Danny Lewis was having a quiet time between the sticks.
Moore headed wide from a Franklin cross and Beswick flashed over the bar from 35 yards as the hosts pressed for a third and Nottingham was inches away from converting a curling Knights corner just before the half-time whistle.
From the restart the hosts were back on the attack and Brown’s header from a Nottingham through ball was inches wide of the upright, while a knock down to Moore was also the wrong side of the post.
On 55 minutes a Knights corner bobbled some ten yards from the line but nobody could give it the toe poke needed to convert.
Beswick’s free kick was headed back from the far post by Nottingham into the path of Gaz Dean who headed over.
Flyde almost found a way back into the match when Wilson’s rasping drive rattled the post and Lloyd’s rebound was hit straight at the welcoming arms of the goalkeeper.
Back on the attack Knights headed over while a burst through the defence from skipper Streete saw his shot well clear the crossbar.
Connor Franklin’s long throw was knocked back to the incoming Walker and his thunderbolt looked on its way in before Wilson cleared from the goal line.
However, with seven minutes left on the clock Moors finally put the game to bed. Knights’ second successive corner seemed to fall at the feet of Streete but it was in fact the unfortunate Hannigan who turned the ball into his own net giving his keeper no chance.
