DANNY Newton’s 78th minute strike secured Solihull Moors place in the FA Cup first round proper after a narrow 1-0 win against Hereford FC at Edgar Street.
The forward reacted quickest to turn home from close range after Joe Sbarra’s effort had been parried by Bulls keeper Jordan Wright.
That marked Newton’s second winner from the substitutes bench in as many matches – as Moors progressed to the first round proper for the sixth successive season.
Edgar Street was at fever pitch and the hosts almost found the breakthrough when Ollie Hulbert was left one-on-one with Kyle Storer only for the Moors captain to make a superb sliding challenge.
The Bulls continued to press for an opener when Miles Storey beat the offside trap before blazing his effort over the crossbar.
Solihull then looked to punish Hereford when Adam Rooney cut the ball back to James Ball whose effort was kept out by the legs of keeper Wright.
Moors almost went into the break ahead after Callum Maycock’s effort was tipped over by Wright before Rooney headed against the outside of the post from the resulting corner.
However, Hereford responded on the hour mark when Moors keeper Ryan Boot made a stunning fingertip save to deny Harry Pinchard’s curling effort from 25-yards out.
Rooney then missed a golden chance to give the Solihull the lead from Sbarra’s cut back before sub Newton popped up with the winner.
Moors kept the ball alive from a corner before Sbarra’s low drive was spilled into the path of Newton who pounced on the loose ball to send the visitors into the next round.
The first round draw took place earlier today with Moors drawn away to former winners Wigan Athletic in a mouth-watering clash at the DW Stadium.
Solihull return to league action against Halifax Town on Saturday, October 23 with kick-off at 3pm at Damson Park.
