Match 36. Solihull Moors v Stockport County

Saturday 22^nd March 2014 @3pm

Skrill North

SOLIHULL MOORS 1-0 STOCKPORT COUNTY

Autotech Stadium, Damson Parkway, Solihull

   

Admission: £9

Programme: £2.50

Attendance: 525

Refreshments: Guinness, £3. Burger, £2.50. Chicken Cup-a-Soup, 65p. Chomp and Highland Toffee, 20p each

   

I managed to get cheap Virgin tickets to Birmingham International (£7.50 e/w) and the 966 bus from the station (£2.10) stops just after passing the ground.  There is a car park in front of the entrance turnstiles and to the left of the turnstile is the clubhouse and cafe.  The clubhouse has 2 bars, a smaller one at the front and a large area behind with a big screen projector and dance floor.  Pitchside, there is only 2 sides developed nearest the entrance. The other 2 sides are just hard standing. Behind the goal is covered the entire length of the goal line with 2 areas of seating sandwiching an area of terracing behind the goal.  The main seated standing is on the touchline in front of the clubhouse and is an unusual 2 tier design. A hot food van is next to the main stand where a tasty burger was purchased.  A tea hut is available at the back of the covered terrace.

  

With Solihull just outside the play offs and Stockport being ex-FL I expected a decent match.  With a blustery wind though, both sides struggled throughout to play much decent football and the game goes down as a drab encounter.  It did start brightly in the first 10 minutes when Danny Knights made a couple of dangerous crosses but the final touch was lacking in the box.  The home side dominated midfield but chances were few. Stockport had their one on target effort just before halftime which was easily saved.

   

The only goal came 6 minutes into the second half. A cross was headed down by Elvins and Omar Bogle managed to place the ball just inside the post.  Stockport certainly has fallen with no creativity and a side seemingly content to stick with a rigid format and predictability.  Solihull were better than 1 goal but the best chance in the second half was almost an own goal when a 35 yard back pass was kept out of the net by the keeper diving and saving with his chest.