I am making a belated visit to a Vanarama National League game today. I did watch Worcester City game a few months ago but did not take my camera that day.
I have been looking at seeing Solihull Moors for a few weeks as they have been at the top of their division for a while now. They are playing the 'Trawler Boys' of Lowestoft Town, a team who I have never watched before and as they are in danger of relegation, will have everything to play for.
The forecast is good today with sunny spells predicted, although still cold.
My train journey was problem free and when I get to Solihull, it's sunny and the town centre is busy as usual. I have time to get a meal and a quick mooch around the shops, then hop on the bus which takes me to within half a mile of the ground. It lies behind the Jaguar-Daimler motor works and not far from Birmingham Airport, with planes taking off near by on a regular basis.
After entering the ground and buying a programme, I make for the far end of the ground to take my photos. I notice a big guy decked out in Lowestoft hat and scarf and who had been talking to a female photographer. I guess she must be the Lowestoft photographer, Shirley Whitlow, whose work I'd seen this morning on the club website. I talk to him and it's her husband Paul. He is full of information about the club and tells me that Solihull is one of the nearest clubs to them in this division.
Soon it's kick-off time and Solihull are in their usual strip of blue and yellow while Lowestoft are in their change strip of all white. I'm surprised to read that Solihull have yet to win against Lowestoft in the few games they have played against each other so far.
The early exchanges see the home side on top although Henderson of Lowestoft hits a great shot which is turned around for a corner by the Solihull custodian, Lewis.
Solihull do take the lead they had been threatening to do in the 17th minute. Their right back Nottingham crosses for Liam Daly to power home a header (as shown below).
They have other chances to further their advantage, with Nottingham firing over the bar and Byrne's volley well saved by the Town keeper, Killip.
So 'The Moors' are on top and Lowestoft will have to up their game after the interval to get anything from this match.
During half-time, a number of Lowestoft fans come down to this end as their team will be attacking this goal in the next 45 minutes. Some are resplendent in colourful curly wigs and they have certainly been partaking of alcoholic refreshments today, judging by their cheery banter.
After the break, Solihull soon increase their lead, when Nottingham goes on a great run down the right and his cross from the right is met by the oncoming Assante who beats the keeper with his shot.
It's looking like an easy stroll for the league leaders but Lowestoft are thrown a lifeline when an attempted header back to their keeper by a defender is intercepted by Crowe who makes no mistake in despatching the ball in to the Solihull net.
The goal greatly encourages the Trawler Boys and the rest of the half sees them largely on top.
Despite their pressure though, they cannot produce an equaliser. They have their appeals for a penalty, close to full time, waived aside by the referee when a Lowestoft shot hits a defender's arm. Lowestoft's captain, Rossi Jarvis, complains loudly to the ref but is only rewarded with a yellow card for his efforts.
This win sees The Moors extend their lead at the top to 9 points over AFC Fylde in second place. They will have to hit better form though if they want to become league champions. Lowestoft on the other hand see Brackley and Telford draw away from them down the other end of the table after they have gained a draw and an away win respectively.
Match admission: £10
Match programme: £2.50
Match attendance: 522
Match entertainment value: 6.5/10
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