MATCH PREVIEW | BARNET FC V SOLIHULL MOORS

Barnet will be looking to extend their unbeaten record at The Hive as well as their gap to 3rd place opponents Solihull Moors this Tuesday night (24th October,19:45 KO).

So, What’s the Buzz?
After securing their place in the first-round proper of The FA Cup on Tuesday night’s replay vs Aveley with a 4-0 win at The Hive, attention was focused back on the league campaign with Maidenhead United being the latest team to visit The Hive. With some games in the division being postponed due to adverse weather conditions, including league leaders Chesterfield’s game against Gateshead, Barnet knew they had to produce another fine display to heap pressure on the other teams at the top.

Barnet started brightly when Idris Kanu turned brilliantly and fired his effort into the top right, but The Bees went into halftime 2-1 down as the conditions worsened. Barnet came out inspired and another brilliant Antony Hartigan delivery was met by Callum Stead to give Barnet the belief they could produce another comeback win this season.

With the game continuing in its end-to-end fashion, it looked increasingly likely there was to be a winning goal. Substitute Dale Gorman whipped in a delightful ball into the box, but his effort ended up in the back of the net, sending the home fans into raptures. The full-time whistle sounded, and Barnet secured another crucial 3 points in their quest for promotion, just sitting behind Chesterfield on goal difference having played a game more. 3
rd place Solihull had a disappointing afternoon, losing 5-0 to Southend, meaning they sit 8 points behind Barnet before the teams meet on Tuesday.

Club Profile
Club Name: Solihull Moors
Nickname: The Moors
Founded: 2007
Ground: Damson Park
Manager: Andy Whing
League Position: 3rd
Form: WDWLL

Opposition Report
Solihull were the last team to lose their unbeaten record this season after an incredible 14-game unbeaten run as they’ve pushed both Barnet and Chesterfield to be close to perfection. In recent weeks, they’ve lost twice in succession with that 5-0 away defeat to Southend on Saturday being the lowest moment of their incredible start to the season. Barnet will be expecting a reaction from the Solihull players in what looks like a vital game for both teams as they chase down Chesterfield. With 14 of Solihull’s 16 games being decided by 2 goals or less, Barnet can expect a tight cagey affair in which they’ll have to be at their best to come out as victors.

One to Watch: Josh Kelly
Kelly has been at the heart of Solihull’s success, with his 7 goals contributing to The Moors incredible start to the season. The 24-year-old had his breakthrough season at this level two seasons ago when he netted 15 times in 39 league appearances for Maidenhead United before leaving the following summer to join The Moors. Barnet will have to stay focused for the full 90 to stop the talented young forward who will be looking to add more goals to his game and get Solihull back to winning ways.

In The Dugout: Andy Whing
Whing was appointed head coach of Solihull Moors this summer. The 39-year-old played right back with his best spell coming at Brighton and Hove Albion. His coaching career began at Banbury United in 2020 where he led the team to the Southern League Premier Division title in 2022, gaining promotion to the National League North. After achieving survival in their first-ever season in the 6th tier, Whing resigned from his role to explore his options before being appointed by Solihull. His August Manager of the Month award proves what an exciting young coach Whing is as he aims to take Solihull into the Football League.