Flowers’ Bunch: How Solihull Moors reached National League top spot
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It’s just 11 years since Solihull Moors were founded. But incredibly, the West Midlands club now stand within touching distance of a place in the EFL.
Before a ball was kicked this season, Tim Flowers’ side were 80/1 to win the title.
Following Tuesday night’s 3-0 victory at Aldershot Town which took the Moors top of the National League, that price is now just 7/2.
So, how have they made it above the likes of storied Leyton Orient and mega-bucks Salford City? And can the Moors maintain their narrow lead at the top? We investigate…
It’s Bliss for Nathan
Nathan Blissett (nephew of the legendary Luther) knows a thing or two about winning the National League. He was a key part of the Macclesfield Town side who upset the odds to romp to automatic promotion last season.
After a tougher time in League Two with the Silkmen this term, the 28-year-old arrived at Solihull’s Damson Park ground at the end of December. And his impact has been sensational.
Equally comfortable on the left wing and as a central striker, he’s netted nine times in his first six games for the Moors.
That included a hat-trick at Aldershot, with his headed third highlighting Blissett’s pace, skill and bravery – ending with a clattering from Shots stopper Will Mannion.
Clean sheet kings
Only low-scoring Wrexham can beat the Moors for clean sheets this season. Flowers’ side have managed 15 shutouts this term, and have conceded more than a single goal in eight of their 33 league games (or 24%).
Okay, that’s enough of the stats. What about the men behind them?
Full-back pair Jamie Reckord and Tyrone Williams have been virtually ever-present this term.
While Williams is robust and strong in the air, the tough-tackling Reckord adds a bit of that famed Non-League grit – as well as experience, having played over 40 times in both League One and the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Experienced centre-back Liam Daly hasn’t missed a minute in this campaign, and is the Moors’ Mr. Reliable. At the other end, his defensive partner Alex Gudger is a huge set-piece threat – netting five times in the league.
Next up is the visit of Barnet on Saturday. The Moors are 20/23 for a third win on the spin, while 21/10 says they pair victory with a clean sheet.
It could be tight…
Just six points separate the top five in the National League, with all of those clubs currently having a game in hand on the Moors.
That said, some look more like legitimate challengers than others.
Leyton Orient remain 5/4 favourites in the betting, ahead of Solihull at 11/4.
Next up are Salford City at 7/4, but they’ve seriously tailed off from their early-season form. It’s now just two wins in nine for the Ammies.
Following on are 8/1 shots AFC Fylde, with Wrexham out at 11s.
Click here for the latest National League odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
