Aldershot Town’s goalscoring woes continued on Saturday afternoon as they sank to the bottom of the National League following a 1-0 defeat to Solihull Moors at the Automated Technology Group Stadium.
The Shots failed to make the most of bright spells in the encounter and were made to pay as Danny Wright’s close-range strike in the second half was the pivotal difference.
Gary Waddock’s team started in a positive fashion with Luke Wandio being a threat down the right flank and forced Solihull goalkeeper Ryan Boot to make a sharp stop inside five minutes.
It was Jacob Berkley-Agyepong that went the closest out of the two sides in the first half with the former-Crystal Palace midfielder striking the post from 20 yards.
However, that was as good as it got for the visitors as Solihull Moors eventually eased themselves into the contest.
The home side’s physicality and aerial threat caused plenty of problems for Aldershot, especially Karleigh Osborne, who picked up a knock meaning an early exit for the Shots’ skipper.
The Moors continued their strong showing at the end of the first half into the second half and deservedly took the lead as goalkeeper Will Mannion’s parried save fell for Wright, who hammered home from close range. It was the first ever goal Aldershot Town have conceded against Solihull Moors.
Debutant Mannion, who joined on-loan from Hull City in midweek, rectified his mistake for the goal moments later, producing a tremendous save from Jermaine Hylton’s effort.
Scott Rendell’s introduction to the game saw more purpose in attack from Aldershot and the centre-forward had his team’s best opportunity in the second half however, his shot skewed wide with the goal gaping.
Mannion once again kept himself and his teammates above water, producing a smart save to deny Jordan Murphy from sealing victory for Solihull in the 88th minute.
The four additional minutes went by in a flash as Tim Flower’s men held on to make it three wins from three, propelling themselves to fourth in the National League table.
Dagenham and Redbridge are the Shots’ next opponents at the EBB Stadium on Tuesday and last season’s play-off semi-finalists will need to get this latest defeat out of their heads quickly against a team also searching for their first win of the season.
ATFC: Mannion; Wanadio, Fowler, Osborne (Smith 27), Kinsella; Bernard (Rendell 59), Rowe, Lelan, Booty, Berkeley-Agyepong; Holman (McClure 83)
Subs not used: Cole, McDonnell.
By Ben King
