Ten-man Latics slump to Solihull defeat

Latics lost 2-0 to Solihull Moors today

Latics slumped to their third defeat of the National League season, and their second at home, when league leaders Solihull beat them 2-0 in Boundary Park’s Bank Holiday fixture today (Monday).

Under-fire manager David Unsworth made five changes to the side that had earned a 0-0 draw at Borehamwood on Saturday.

Will Sutton replaced Kieron Freeman at right back, and Dan Gardner and Kurt Willoughby came in, while Brennan Dickenson and Devarn Green dropped to the bench.

There was a new strike force of Mike Fondop and Alex Reid.

In a cagey first half, goalmouth action was limited for both sides until Reid had a gilt-edged chance on 24 minutes to score after Mark Kitching's left wing cross was fumbled by keeper Simkin but he fired over.

A second clear opportunity came ten minutes later when Mark Shelton dragged his cross wide with the goal gaping after some great build up play.

Three minutes later Latics were down to 10 men when Fondop, who had earlier received his first caution, was sent off for a second bookable offence.

After half time Unsworth replaced Willoughby and Shelton with Green and Dickenson as Latics continued to try and take the lead, and Reid was unlucky when he headed wide on 53 minutes.

But it was the visitors who broke the deadlock on 57 minutes when Mark Beck, who had been a constant thorn in the side of Latics' defence, turned in a low cross from the edge of the six-yard box.

Reid, who had played upfront on his own since Fondop’s first half dismissal, then gave way to James Norwood, who has already scored three times this season.

Latics pressed for an equaliser and had a great opportunity in the 85th minute during a goalmouth scramble, but the ball somehow stayed out.

And in stoppage time, shortly after Norwood had an appeal for a penalty turned down, Solihull made it 2-0 with the last kick of the game - substitute Josh Kelly put through on goal slotting the ball past Matt Hudson.

Once again, it was a good attendance of 6,815, but a disappointing result led to many home fans booing their disapproval at the final whistle.

Latics, who now occupy 20th place in the league with just one win in their first six games of the season, will now turn their attention to their trip to Gateshead next Saturday - a game set to be broadcast live on TNT Sports.

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