At the ARMCO Arena, Solihull Moors prepare to welcome Dagenham and Redbridge in a fixture of considerable importance at both ends of the National League table. The Moors will be aiming to arrest a concerning slump in form, while the Daggers arrive with their National League status hanging precariously in the balance. This encounter promises to be a tense affair, with both sides desperate to secure a positive result.
Solihull Moors find themselves mired in a difficult spell, currently enduring a two-match losing streak, further compounded by their inability to find the net in either of those games. Their recent form represents a stark contrast to their aspirations for this stage of the season. Dagenham and Redbridge, however, arrive with renewed vigour, having gone undefeated in their last four outings. They also managed to score in their most recent match, suggesting a welcome improvement in their attacking capabilities.
Looking back at recent clashes between these two sides, the historical record reveals a closely contested rivalry. Over the past three seasons, they have met five times, with Dagenham holding a slender advantage with two wins to Solihull’s one, alongside two draws. Earlier this season, the teams played out a 1-1 draw, Harry Phipps scoring for Dagenham and Jack Stevens responding for Solihull Moors. Last season saw contrasting fortunes: Solihull Moors clinched a 2-1 victory away from home, with Jay Benn and Josh Kelly finding the net for the Moors, while Tom Eastman scored for the Daggers. However, the return fixture ended in a 1-1 stalemate, Josh Kelly converting a penalty for Solihull, only for Dion Pereira to snatch a late equaliser for Dagenham.
In terms of league standings, Solihull Moors occupy 14th position with 57 points from 45 games, having won 16, drawn 9, and lost 20. Their goal difference stands at -6, having scored 60 goals and conceded 66. Dagenham and Redbridge find themselves in a more precarious situation, sitting in 20th place with 51 points from 45 games, having won 12, drawn 15, and lost 18. Their goal difference is -1, with 60 goals scored and 61 conceded.
The stakes are incredibly high for Dagenham and Redbridge. Their National League survival is in their own hands; a victory would guarantee their place in the division next season, while a draw would almost certainly be sufficient to secure their safety. For Solihull Moors, a win would provide a much-needed boost in morale and halt their current slide, allowing them to finish the season on a more positive note. A loss, however, would only deepen their concerns and raise questions about their form heading into the off-season. A draw would leave both teams with mixed feelings, Dagenham perhaps the happier of the two, edging closer to survival.