Solihull Moors were blown away in the end by Harrogate Town in today's National League opener. After looking like performing a stunning second half comeback, pulling back to 2-2 from 2-0 down, The Moors fell to an eventual 5-2 loss to a very strong Harrogate side. Harrogate started the game on the front foot but couldn't find a way past new keeper Max Metcalfe on his Moors debut, or the superb Alex Whitmore until just before half time. After saving an early free-kick, former Stockport stopper Metcalfe confidently took a couple of nice catches, and then pulled off a terrific save from Harrogate new-boy Brad Dolaghan, one of seven debutants for the home side, brilliantly palming the ball away with a strong left hand in what was a solid start for our new number 1. Dolaghan, who was a constant threat for Harrogate, mis-hit a shot after superbly taking a cross under his control, Metcalfe happy to collect the weak effort. A minute before the break, Harrogate defender Archie Baptiste took advantage of a lucky bounce just outside the box, and on the half volley unleashed a tremendous finish out of nowhere to put his side a goal ahead on his debut for the club. 1-0. Ben Wodskou came on for the second half, replacing Henry Rylah, as Chris Millington looked to get his side back into the game. A couple of counter attacks and crosses came to nothing, as The Moors searched for chances. Matty Carson coming closest, striking a free kick narrowly over the bar from around 25 yards Bryn Morris scored Harrogate's second goal, after having a powerful drive blocked by Whitmore, the captain's second attempt took a heavy deflection off Tyrell Warren, the ball looping up and over Metcalfe's grasp. 2-0 Wodskou was desperately unlucky to have a shot deflected just wide, following a good run into the box by Wakeling. Metcalfe again did well to catch a rasping effort from Morris. Bailey Hobson fizzed an effort just over the bar from distance as the hosts looked to increase their lead further. Wakeling gave The Moors a lifeline on 71 minutes with an instinctive header. After winning the original corner with a decent strike, our number 9 reacted lightning fast to nod substitute Ben Wodskou's effort into the back of the net. Game on 2-1. As the tide began to turn in The Moors favour, Wakeling twice went close to the equaliser, coming agonisingly close to scoring after good balls into the box. When it was looking like been one of those days where the equaliser just wouldn't come, Tyler French popped up in the box to flick home from a few yards out following another dangerous corner, and another Wodskou assist. The former Brackley man causing carnage from set-pieces since coming on for the second half. 2-2 At this point with Harrogate desperately trying to hang on and Solihull looking to net a late winner, the home side won a free kick on the right-hand side of the box. A powerful low effort hit Ciaran McGuckin and somehow found it's way into Metcalfe's goal in the most fortunate of circumstances. 3-2 The game was put out of reach in the 90th minute. McGuckin scored again, this time cutting in from the left before unleashing a wonderful curling effort beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. 4-2 Rohan Vaughan then notched Harrogate's 5th goal on his debut to wrap up a thrilling game 5 minutes into injury time. Having a thunderous right footed effort well saved, before cutting back and placing into the far corner on his left. 5-2. Game over. A massive thank you to the away supporters that travelled today. We wish you all a safe journey home. 💙💛 Next up for The Moors is Boston United at Damson Park on Saturday 15th August, 3pm. Don't miss out on our first home game of the new season. Ticket details for this match will be announced shortly. If you would like to secure your seat for the whole season, purchase your season ticket on the link below - https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/m/events/1078557/seating_arrangement?version=m Match report written by Scott Cattell
Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of Henry Rylah on a two-month loan from Charlton Athletic. The 20-year-old joined Charlton at Under-12 level and quickly earned a reputation for his pace and ability on the ball. After impressing at Under-18 and Under-21 level, Rylah signed his first professional contract with the Addicks in May 2023 before making three senior appearances during the 2023/24 campaign. The exciting attacker spent the first half of 2026 on loan with League of Ireland Premier Division side Derry City, where he gained valuable senior experience. Rylah made 15 appearances across all competitions for the Candystripes, scoring twice and providing one assist before returning to Charlton in June. Speaking about Rylah’s arrival, Chris Millington added: “Henry is an exciting, quick, young winger. His directness will help contribute to our style of play. We're delighted that Henry chose Moors and we're really looking forward to seeing him perform in a Moors shirt.” Welcome to the Moors, Henry! 💛💙
Solihull Moors are delighted to announce the signing of goalkeeper Max Metcalfe from Stockport County. Standing at a towering 6ft 6in, Metcalfe adds further strength and presence to the Moors’ goalkeeping department. The shot-stopper is no stranger to National League football, having gained valuable senior experience during loan spells with Spennymoor Town, AFC Fylde, Marine and Oxford City. Metcalfe now makes the move to Damson Park ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. On his latest addition, Moors First Team Manager, Chris Millington said: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to sign Max. He brings excellent presence and character allied with a high level of goalkeeping ability. He has integrated quickly into the group and he is itching to get started for Moors." Welcome to the Moors, Max! 💛💙
Solihull Moors can confirm the dates and kick-off times for the club’s four National League Cup group-stage fixtures. The Moors will host Middlesbrough Under-21s, Leeds United Under-21s, Newcastle United Under-21s and Everton Under-21s at Damson Park. National League Cup Fixtures Solihull Moors v Middlesbrough U21s – Tuesday 18th August, 7pm Solihull Moors v Leeds United U21s – Tuesday 8th September, 7pm Solihull Moors v Newcastle United U21s – Tuesday 6th October, 7pm Solihull Moors v Everton U21s – Tuesday 13th October, 7pm Entry is free for all supporters, although tickets must be redeemed in advance via TicketCo. Hospitality will also be available in Jerroms for £10 per person, including sandwiches and the opportunity to watch the match from the Directors’ Box. While admission is free, supporters are encouraged to make a donation to the Solihull Moors Foundation via JustGiving. All donations will help the Foundation continue its work across the local community - https://www.justgiving.com/charity/solihullmoorsfdn Parking will also be available at Damson Park for £5 per vehicle. Tickets for all four fixtures can be redeemed here: https://solihullmoorsfc.ticketco.shop/
Supporters can secure the new away shirt from today by placing a pre-order through the Macron website. Please note that the shirt is not yet available for immediate purchase, with pre-orders ensuring supporters are among the first to receive the new kit once stock arrives. Bradley Rice, Director of Commercial, said: "Purcell Branding have been a fantastic partner to Solihull Moors, and it’s a relationship that extends well beyond the commercial side of the Club. Dave Purcell has been an ardent supporter of the Moors for many years and has always been someone we can rely on. Whether it’s helping with the ongoing development of the stadium, supporting projects behind the scenes or simply being on hand whenever we need him, Dave and the team at Purcell Branding have consistently gone above and beyond. To now welcome Purcell Branding as the official away sleeve sponsor is a fitting next step in what has become a hugely valued partnership. We’re incredibly grateful for their continued support and proud to have their name on our first-team shirt as we look to build on the progress being made both on and off the pitch.” Dave Purcell, Managing Director of Purcell Branding said: “Purcell Branding are delighted to continue our partnership with Solihull Moors and to take our involvement with the Club to the next level as the official away shirt sleeve sponsor. But our relationship with the Moors goes far beyond sponsorship and we take pride in working alongside the Club. From renovating and transforming key areas of the ground to delivering signage, branding and installation projects, we’re proud to have a hands-on role in helping shape the matchday environment. To now see the Purcell Branding name on the first-team shirt is a fantastic extension of that relationship. We’re proud to support the Club, proud to be part of its continued growth, and excited to see what we can achieve together both on and off the pitch this season.” Supporters wishing to secure the new away shirt can place their pre-order now via the Macron website.
Solihull Moors are pleased to announce that the club will be hosting a Fans’ Forum, giving supporters the chance to hear directly from our First Team Manager, Chris Millington, Assistant Manager Andy Cooper, and Chairman Darryl Eales. The event will take place in the Trevor Stevens Suite on 13th August, with doors opening at 6pm ahead of a 7pm start. Entry will be free for all fans, with donations to the Moors Foundation welcome, we hope to see you there!
