Solihull Moors show signs of recovery with comeback win at Woking

Solihull Moors needed a response.

Just three days after suffering a 3-0 defeat to National League leaders Boreham Wood, Chris Millington’s side travelled to Woking looking for signs that their difficult start to the campaign could be turned around.

They got exactly that.

The 4-2 victory at the Laithwaite Community Stadium was not simply about three points. It was the manner of the comeback which could prove more significant as the Moors attempt to climb away from the bottom end of the table.

Solihull had already endured a turbulent opening to the season, with the defeat to Boreham Wood their latest setback. They remained 23rd after 11 matches, four points from safety, making the trip to Woking particularly important.

And the circumstances made the victory even more striking.

Woking had arrived into the game in good form, having put five past Carlisle just days earlier. Solihull, meanwhile, had been beaten comfortably by Boreham Wood at Damson Park.

Yet the Moors did not allow that defeat to carry into Tuesday night.

Jacob Wakeling gave them an early lead after six minutes, but Woking turned the game around in the space of three minutes.

Matt Ward equalised before John Marquis put the hosts ahead.

It could easily have become another night where Solihull’s early promise disappeared.

Instead, they responded immediately.

Jamie Andrews levelled in the 27th minute with his first goal for the club, before Scott High produced a superb strike shortly before half-time to put the Moors back in front.

That reaction was perhaps the biggest positive to come from the night.

Solihull had conceded twice, lost their lead and found themselves behind — but did not collapse.

They fought their way back into the game.

There were also encouraging signs of a squad beginning to take shape.

New defensive signings Chey Dunkley and Carter Pinnington made their debuts, while Tyler French returned from a lengthy injury lay-off. Dunkley, in particular, made several important defensive interventions as Woking threatened.

The Moors then had to withstand pressure after the break.

Woking were reduced to 10 men when Jaiden Putman was sent off in the 56th minute, but Solihull still had to manage the game and protect their advantage.

They did so before Andrews struck again in the 77th minute to complete his brace.

Even then, there was one final test, with Max Metcalfe producing a late save to tip a powerful Woking effort onto the post.

The final whistle confirmed Solihull’s second league victory of the season and their first away win of the campaign.

It does not suddenly solve all of the problems facing Millington’s side.

The Moors remain in the relegation places and have ground to make up.

But recovery does not always begin with a dramatic change in league position.

Sometimes it starts with a response.

After the disappointment of Boreham Wood, Solihull had to show they could pick themselves up, absorb setbacks during a match and find a way to win.

At Woking, they did exactly that.

Now the challenge is to make it more than one night of recovery.

FC Halifax Town visit Damson Park on Saturday, giving the Moors an immediate opportunity to build on their biggest result of the season so far.