It’s a third home game on the bounce for Solihull Moors Women, as they are back in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the welcoming of Grimsby Town Women to Mappableborough Green on Sunday, October 4 (ko 3pm).

Harry O’Neill’s side will look to continue their impressive momentum from their last league game, a 3-1 victory over Coventry Sphinx, into the third round qualifying of the cup, in the hope of progressing past a Mariners side who are also in the fifth tier of the Women’s Pyramid.

Solihull started the first half brightly but it took a great save from Erica Turner to deny Sphinx’s first chance of the game. Grace Chelener then broke the deadlock with a brilliant goal in the 16th minute to put her side ahead – Connie Allen later doubled Moors’ lead from a corner just before halftime.

A first goal of the season for forward Mollie Bubb all but sealed three points for the hosts, but Sphinx rallied to ensure that Moors still had to fight for their victory during the second half. Olivia Cross notched one back in the 61st minute for the visitors, denying a clean sheet for Moors and giving the rock-bottom Blues late hope in the closing stages.

Nevertheless, even with another shot into the hands of Turner, Solihull’s solid performance proved worthy of securing the win, in what was a pulsating match against a side who are still yet to register a point this season.

THE OPPOSITION:

After a memorable promotion-winning season, which saw them crowned champions without tasting a single defeat in Division One North, Grimsby were looking to take their invincible mentality forward into their 2026/27 campaign.

However, they have experienced a mixed start upon their return to the East Midlands Regional League. An emphatic 5-0 away victory at Gainsborough Trinity made it the perfect start to life back in the fifth tier, before they were put to the sword via a 6-1 demolition by Doncaster Rovers Belles at Blundell Park – a record-breaking result in their first home game for all the wrong reasons which will hope to be long-forgotten by head coach Ben Thomas and his players.

Although they were unable to bounce back with a win, they showed spirit and great determination to fight back in a 2-2 draw with Stamford AFC, leaving them sitting 6th on four points – just five points off leaders Mansfield Town after their first three matches.

LAST TIME OUT IN THE ADOBE WOMEN’S FA CUP:

Moors got off to the perfect start in their Adobe Women’s FA Cup opener with a 5-0 dismantling of Stourbridge in the second round qualifying. Goals from Eloise Harris, Morgan Reeves, Daina Scott and a Neve Critchley brace on her debut were just what O’Neill needed for his side to coast through into the next round.

Grimsby were also comfortable winners with a 3-1 victory against Arnold Eagles of Division One North. Abbie Emslie, Leah Wray and POTM Rowen Crawshaw showcased their talents in a match of little quality to set up what will be a fascinating tie for both clubs to look forward to this weekend.

TEAM NEWS:

Harry O’Neill will undoubtedly be delighted with another victory on the board for his side, and will hope the winning mentality remains intact for the cup tie, even with the slight rotations that could be made from last Sunday’s win. Beth Gallagher and Lexi Blaxland recorded their 50th appearances for Moors over the weekend – two incredible milestones to be proud of that demonstrate their commitments to Solihull Moors Women.

Likewise, Rowen Crawshaw, Alicia Davis and Beth Wharton are real serious threats that Moors will need to look out for from Grimsby’s perspective. Goalkeeper Jasmine Lacey is another player who boasts real quality on the pitch, having made a lot of spectacular saves during the Mariners’ campaign so far.

Match preview written by Dan Whitehouse