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19th - 3/3/7 - 12pts

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With what were Workington's only two attempts on target, Gareth Arnison scored after nearly half an hour and then again immediately after half time to compound Solihull's frustration.

Marcus Palmer rounded the goalkeeper to score for the Moors but it was not enough as chances went begging and the game finished 2-1.

Graham Anthony was sent off late in the game for Workington.

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In other news, we have been drawn against AFC Telford United away in the second round of the Setanta Shield should we beat Redditch United in the rearranged tie.

However, in the first half the teams were evenly matched, with the Moors coming close on a few occasions and playing basic yet functional football. Stalybridge had their chances too though, and it was on 44 minutes that they took the lead after a poor shot from Peter Faulds was cleared and Solihull were caught on the break.

A fluke goal for Stalybridge sealed the fate of the visitors, as their heads began to drop and the defence was beaten three times more, with each Stalybridge goal looking classier than the last.

Solihull Moors did have one late chance at a consolation goal, with the Stalybridge goalkeeper saving well at his feet from Jake Edwards.

Solihull doubled their advantage on 20 minutes when new boy Kevin Spencer put away another free kick from outside the box in what was a beautiful effort.

Although both sides had their chances in the first half, the Moors were clearly the better side on 45 minutes. This did not continue into the 2nd half, however, as Burscough came out with a more offensive outlook and tried very hard to break down the resolute Moors defence. Their breakthrough came too late, as despite their pressure they were unable to score until a mistake in the 82nd minute resulted in a Grogan goal.

Two new signings mad appearances today, Kevin Spencer in midfield and new young striker Marcus Palmer from the bench.

The Moors started well at home to Stafford, enjoying early possession and corners, but were (as per usual) not able to create any real chances. Not long into the first half, Tim Gould was forced to go off due to injury due to a hard challenge (no foul and not the fault of the Stafford player mind) and replaced by Andy Ritchie. Soon after this the only goal of the game came as Stafford were awarded a penalty. The ball was mis-headed by Theo Streete and it struck him on the shoulder and upper arm, causing the referee to blow for handball, despite the lack of any intent and there being no way for the defender to avoid the ball.

For the remainder of the first half there was little action. The thinning Moors squad was stretched even further as another injury, this time to Jason Moore, forced another Solihull substitution. Solihull Moors had managed only to name 4 substitutes for the game due to players out, and yet more injuries have left Solihull with potentially 6 players out.

The second half was also largely uneventful. Stafford had more of the ball but created only one half-chance, but their attacker missed the ball completely. Moors put pressure on their visitors as the second half unfolded, but the only real chance of the game came as Theo Streete picked up the ball in the box after winning an aerial challenge and then blazed narrowly over from close range.

Moors started well and played some good football on the floor, but Hinckley came back stronger, with the ball cleared off the Moors line on more than one occasion. Moors once again had some attacking possession towards the end of the first half, with Carl Motteram registering the first shot on target for Solihull Moors.

The second half was a slightly more even game, although Hinckley looked strong again and there were some tight moments at the back for Solihull. The Moors did create chances though, as Jake Edwards fired a header wide and another at the 'keeper, and substitute Darren Middleton found the roof of the net after a late defensive panic for Hinckley.

Moors earned a penalty as Junior English was brought down by the last man, however the Trinity defender was not sent off. Although the goalkeeper saved Middleton's penalty, the resulting corner saw Jake Edwards score with a header.

Despite a strong show in the first 20 minutes of the second half, Moors were behind again when another corner saw Trevor Benjamin score for Gainsborough. Solihull did eventually claw one back through Jake Edwards on the counter attack, but it was not enough.

Of the other Conference North teams in action, Redditch United face an away first round tie at Sutton Coldfield Town and, should they go through, another away tie at Bedworth United. Tamworth face Banbury United at home.

The full draw can be found here.

Moors took the lead in the first half through Tim Gould after a shambolic mixup in the Alfreton defence allowed Gould to capitalise. A poor backpass led Gould into a one-on-one with the keeper and he slotted home from an exremely tight angle.

Hardworking Moors earned a penalty in the second half as the Alfreton goalkeeper felled Moors attacker Andy Ducros on the edge of the the six yard box. Darren Middleton stepped up to fire home from 12 yards.

Despite being in control of the game at this point, two late headed goals from Fortune-West for Alfreton made sure they got a share of the points. Solihull may have deserved this win but let too much slip at the end to hold on.

Goalkeeper Dan Crane was substituted in the first half due to injury during this game, and we wish him a swift recovery.

After half time, the Moors once again enjoyed plenty of possession, but failed to trouble the Blyth keeper. A contentious free kick that was well struck by Williams for Blyth beat Craney in brilliant style to give Blyth the lead. Twnety minutes later Blyth doubled their advantage through Simon Todd after the ball had been given away by an ever sloppier Solihull Moors. The Moors were lucky to escape with 11 men as Sedgemore gave away a penalty late in the game to complete a disappointing day for the team and the small band of travelling fans.

Trialist Jem Mills scored for the Moors as they competed with a strong Coventry side at Warwick University.

Gooding had been called "a glorified pub team player" by the local press while at Rushden & Diamonds and it seems that we will not be judging this for ourselves next season at Damson Park.

Gooding was released by Coventry in February and has since spent a short spell at R&D, making 10 appearances.

Simon Travis was at Nuneaton Borough last season, where he made 36 appearances playing mainly as an attacking right full back, but is also adept at left back or right midfield. Travis was reported to have wished to have stayed on at the new Nuneaton Town but the money wasn't quite good enough in the BGB Midlands division. He was reported to have expressed his wish to play for "a good club in a good league"

Simon brings with him a wealth of experience, having played for Stockport County, Forest Green Rovers and Stevenage Borough before winning promotion to the football league with Hereford United in 2004. He started his career in Devon with Torquay United.

Michael Tuohy is also a full back but is versatile and can play a number of defensive and midfield positions. Although he didn't have the best of luck with injuries during his seasons at Tamworth he was well liked and will hopefully be a good signing for the Moors.

Jake Sedgemore seems to be an excellent signing for the Moors; he was until now a professional player and has played for West Brom, Hednesford Town, Hereford United, Northwich Victoria, Shrewsbury Town, Bury, Burton Albion, Kidderminster Harriers and Altrincham. He is another versatile player, but his preferred role is in the midfield and will be a welcome addition to the Solihull Moors squad.

Sedgemore reportedly chose to go semi-professional this year in order to concentrate on his business interests.