Spoils shared as Eastleigh and Solihull Moors play out a goalless draw

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Despite Eastleigh’s best efforts, they were unable to break Solihull Moors as the points were shared after a 0-0 draw at the Silverlake Stadium.

From an Eastleigh perspective, it was imperative to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointment whereas the Moors were looking to continue their good form following their rampant 4-0 win over Maidenhead United last time out.

There was an element of continuity in both lineups with both Ben Strevens and Neal Ardley sticking to their tried and trusted starting 11’s. 

It was Ardley’s side who did indeed take control of the early proceedings. The Moors forced the hosts into mistakes with an aggressive early press and kept possession well but failed to create many openings as a result of it. 

Chances were few and far between the sides in the first half with a long-range effort from Ryan Barnett and a one-on-one strike from Justin Donawa not really testing Spitfires number one Joe McDonnell. 

Throughout the contest, Vincent Harper proved a thorn in the side down Solihull’s left flank. Although he was not always successful at getting past his man, when he did, it resulted in a few dangerous moments for the Spitfires. 

On the hour mark, Andrew Boyce perhaps should have done better when he was presented with a free header but he sent his effort wide of the target. 

The Spitfires started to turn the screw on their opponents but it was the Moors who went the closest heading into the closing stages of this contest.

A cutback from Joe Sbarra found Adam Rooney whose effort pinballed around the box. The ball really could have gone anywhere, but in this instance, it trickled narrowly past the post. 

Despite being on the front foot, Eastleigh manager Ben Strevens withdrew one of his two strikers in place of a more creative player in Ryan Hill.

This decision almost paid off when the substitute fired goalwards only for it to be blocked on the line by Jordan Cranston.

It was Hill who offered the biggest threat for Eastleigh coming forward. The former Stoke City youngster had another shot but this time it was tipped around the post by Ryan Boot as the points were shared between the two sides.

Neither manager will be wholly satisfied with a point from this contest. With Solihull’s good form, Moors manager Neil Ardley will have hoped to impose his side’s quality at the Silverlake Stadium. Eastleigh boss Ben Strevens will also be left frustrated that his side couldn’t convert late pressure into a goal and a vital three points. 

That being said, Solihull defended well and worked hard towards the end of the game to take a point back to the West Midlands. Given the circumstances of where the Moors are in the table, you’d feel as if a point is satisfactory for Eastleigh at this point in time. 

Both sides next return to action in the FA Trophy Third Round with the National League sides being introduced to the competition for the first time this season. Eastleigh travel to Isthmian League side Enfield Town whereas Solihull Moors face a visit to National League North high flyers AFC Fylde. 

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