PREVIEW: Solihull Moors Vs AFC Telford United (FA Trophy)

Solihull Moors will host AFC Telford United this evening, as the FA Trophy final creepers ever closer to being upon us. At the time of writing, the Moors haven’t been involved in any sort of match experience since their narrow 2-1 victory over Oldham Athletic in Early December, but have since seen three matches postponed due to the weather conditions. Meanwhile, their opponents will be out looking to cause a huge cup upset against a strong National League side.

Team News - Solihull Moors 

Neal Ardley’s men are without any fresh injury concerns going into this evenings match. Midfielder Callum Maycock has missed the last three league games and is a doubt to return in time for this evenings game. Similarly, defender Callum Howe has been out of action since mid-October with a knee problem and also remains out. 

Elsewhere, new signing Bartosz Cybulski will likely start on the bench, whilst fellow loanee Louie Moulden is again expected to be left out of the squad, as his loan spell at the Armco Arena comes to an end. With these injuries, it means that Joey Jones will more than likely continue at centre-back, something which has allowed him to stand out in recent games. 

Team News - AFC Telford United  

As for the away side, AFC Telford United are likely to include Coventry loanee George Burroughs in their squad, with the club looking to go as strong as possible, in order to assume their is a possible FA Trophy upset. New signing Josh O’Brien is also likely to be handed his debut for the club, after joining on loan from Salford City last week, before several matches were postponed due to the weather. 

Similarly, fellow new signing Adam Walker could also feature for the club for the very first time. The 28-year-old joins the club on a one-year deal, which expires in the summer of 2023. He joins the club on a free transfer from Brackley Town. He would add plenty of experience into the clubs midfield, which is something that Neal Ardley’s side will need to be cautious off. 

Expected Line-Ups

Solihull Moors: Ryan Boot (GK) ; James Clarke, Joey Jones, Alex Gudger, Ben Coker ; Callum Whelan, Kyle Storer ; Ryan Barnett, Joe Sbarra, Andrew Dallas ; Josh Kelly (4-2-3-1)

AFC Telford United: Luke Pilling (GK) ; Brad Bood, George Burroughs, Harry Flowers, Adam Senior, Jamie Allen, Robbie Evans, Prince Ekpolo, Byron Moore, Montel Gibson, Abdi Sharif

Form Guides 

Solihull Moors had been on an eight match winless run, before their victory last weekend. This included four draws, including two in the FA Cup, as well as four league defeats, causing the club to drop down to 7th and fall away from the leading pack in the table. Goals from Joe Sbarra and Andrew Dallas were the difference for Neal Ardley’s side, even despite the manager being absent due to a personal reason. 

Meanwhile, AFC Telford United have lost just once on their last six matches against Solihull Moors, and this is likely to continue to play in the minds of the Solihull players until they give-up. However, in terms of league form, the visitors  have picked up just one win in their previous four matches, with the only winning being a 2-1 against high-flying Banbury United. 

Players To Watch: Joe Sbarra - Solihull Moors 

Last weekend’s man of the match, Joe Sbarra, is definitely one of the Moors’ danger-men, ahead of this weekends match. The 24-year-old scored and assisted last weekend, taking his tally to 6 goals from the season. Sbarra is one of the best attacking midfielders in the division, and is known for being a work-horse as he never stops running. He remains a constant threat to the opposition whenever he plays, and is brilliant at bringing the wide players into play, as well as shooting on sight if required. If Aldershot want to avoid another heavy loss, they have got to keep him quiet at all costs. 

Player To Watch - Byron Moore - AFC Telford United

My player to watch for the away side, has to be their experienced forward Byron Moore. The 34-year-old joined the away side back in February 2022 and remains at the club ever since. He has made over 500 career appearances, as well as signing a brand new contract with the club this summer. Moore won EFL League Two promotion with Bury FC, and is destined to cause Solihull’s weakened defence a number of key issues this evening. 

Match Details