JACK Stevens scored a second-half hat-trick as Solihull Moors eased to a 4-1 win against Biggleswade Town to advance to the next round of the FA Cup.
Stevens struck three times after the break to help Moors reach the first round proper after Max Brogan opened the scoring for Andy Whing’s side at the ARMCO Arena.
And Solihull’s reward is a trip to League One high-flyers Bolton Wanderers in the next round with the game to take place on the weekend of Friday, November 3 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
Whing said: “We’re pleased to win the game and get through, it was a tough game, we had to work really hard to create any chances, that extra bit of quality just told in the end.
“He [Jack] manged to get on the ball a lot more, he was absolutely outstanding, he deserved his three goals, he took them really well and showed how confident he was with the penalty at the end.
“It was really important to go and win after being beat last week, that makes the week a little bit better, we managed to rest a few players as well.
“It’s nice to have that break, it’s been relentless, I’ve heard loads of managers moaning about how relentless it’s been, we’re looking forward to a free week on the training pitch.
“There’s still more to come, we’re still only a few months into the season, there’s loads to come and hopefully we can keep improving.”
Despite a spirited effort from Southern League Division One Central side Biggleswade, Moors ultimately proved too strong for their opponents, returning to winning ways at the first attempt.
Moors took the lead on 19 minutes when Brogan’s first time shot found the bottom left corner after Jack Berman kept out Kian Ryley’s initial effort.
However, Biggleswade drew level on 41 minutes when a wayward clearance fell to Jonathan Lacey in the box who drilled a shot past Tommy Simkin via the aid of the left-hand post.
The home side reclaimed the lead just four minutes into the second half as Stevens finished into the bottom left corner from Josh Kelly’s square pass.
And Moors extended their lead on 66 minutes as Stevens scored his second of the game with a clinical finish into the top left corner from Ryley’s pass.
Stevens completed his hat-trick and the scoring from the penalty spot in injury time, lifting the ball down the middle of the goal to send Moors into the next round of the FA Cup.
Solihull travel to Southend United on Saturday, October 21 with kick-off at 3pm at Roots Hall.
