ANDY Whing insists Solihull Moors will go into their play-off semi-final against Barnet ‘full of confidence’ after beating Halifax Town 4-2 in an eliminator.
Moors raced into a three-goal lead to blow the Shaymen away as Tahvon Campbell, Jack Stevens and a Tylor Golden own goal put Solihull in command at the ARMCO Arena.
Jack Evans and Florent Hoti cut the deficit to a single goal either side of the break before Jamey Osborne secured Moors’ place in the semi-final’s with a majestic solo effort three minutes from time.
Whing said: “We were unplayable for the first half-hour, we were brilliant, we still had nervous moments, it’s a big occasion, we needed that kind of pressurised atmosphere going into a big game on Saturday.
“I can’t fault the lads, I thought they were outstanding, it would have been criminal if we had lost that game, I thought we were the better team and had the better chances but it’s play-off football.
“Our front four were frightening at times. you can’t pick one player out, I’m delighted, it’s a quick turnaround now but we’ll go into it full of confidence and we’ll have a right go.
“Barnet are a very good team, bar Chesterfield they’re probably the best team in the league, they’ve had a full week to prepare, it’s exciting, everyone is looking forward to it.”
Moors broke the deadlock on 14 minutes when Campbell’s shot deflected past Halifax goalkeeper Sam Johnson after he could only parry Stevens’ initial effort.
And Stevens doubled the home side’s lead five minutes later as he touched Campbell’s shot beyond Johnson from close range after Tyrese Shade cut the ball back in the penalty area.
The home side extended their lead on 38 minutes when Golden inadvertently flicked Campbell’s wayward shot into his own net past a despairing Johnson.
However, Halifax reduced the deficit in first-half injury time as Evans placed a header into the top right corner of the goal after he was left free in the box at a set-piece.
And the Shaymen set up an exciting finish when Hoti’s dipping shot from 25-yards out bounced in off the underside of the crossbar on 74 minutes.
However, Moors restored their two-goal lead on 87 minutes when Osborne jinked his way past two defenders before beating Johnson at his near post via the aid of a deflection.
Solihull travel to Barnet for the National League play-off semi-final on Saturday, April 27 with kick-off at 5.30pm at The Hive.
