SOLIHULL Moors bounced back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory on the road at Gloucester City and extend their lead at the top of the Vanarama National League North to 11 points, reports John Clothier.
After the mid-week disappointment of a home defeat to FC United of Manchester, it was essential that Moors bounced straight back to keep their title hopes on track.
And with the return from injury of Darryl Knights, Marcus Bignot had a full squad from which to choose at Whaddon Road on Saturday.
Bignot’s side had the first chance on goal after five minutes when Jack Byrne had a shot blocked on five minutes and three minutes later Akwasi Asante had Singh racing off his line to prevent a one-on-one.
City’s Tom Webb went inches wide as he volleyed from the edge of the box and Bishop side-footed straight at Danny Lewis from 20 yards out.
However Moors went ahead on 21 minutes when Darryl Knights’ inch perfect corner kick was headed back across the box for Akwasi to beat Singh with a powerful header.
Asante came close to doubling Solihull’s advantage when he shot wide on 28 minutes and minute later City were found sleeping from a long Connor Franklin throw but Ryan Beswick was well wide with the shot.
If Moors had largely controlled proceedings Gloucester finished the half on a high note with the referee waving away claims for a penalty following a handball and William’s glancing header was cleared off the line before Avery headed the rebound over the bar.
The host’s aerial bombardment continued after the break with Hanks seeing his shot blocked by Liam Daly and Danny Lewis got down well to clear the danger.
Gloucester had two appeals for a penalty dismissed first for an alledged hand ball and then for a pull on Hanks before Andy Brown’s 58th minute shot hit the top of the stand.
With just over an hour played Knights half volleyed from the edge of the box and with Singh beaten the ball looked a certain goal but veered away at the last moment.
However, he was not to be denied on 75 minutes when Moors effectively wrapped up all three points. Asante’s accurate cross eluded Singh and there was Knights to tap in Solihull’s second goal.
Gloucester were, however, full of fight and their best chance of the match came nine minutes from time when substitute Stirling-James headed back to Dale who struck goalwards but a fine reflex save by the Solihull shot stopper cleared the ball to safety.
A tenth away win moves Moors 11 points clear of both Ferriby and Fylde having played one extra game ahead of this weekend’s trip to Worcester City.
