FOOTBALL: RICHARD Money’s Solihull Moors side had to rely on a second bite of the cherry against Ossett Town on Tuesday night to scrap their way in the first round of the FA Cup.
Moors were held to a 1-1 draw at the Automated Technology Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Town keeper Leigh Overton kept Solihull at bay to force an unwelcome replay.
Ossett were one of the lowest ranked teams remaining in the competition – and with the winner of Tuesday’s match set to face Wycombe Wanderers, stakes were high.
The last time the two sides met was in November 2011, when Danny Spencer’s last minute header sealed Moors’ place in the fourth round of the FA Trophy.
Money decided Liam Daly would assist up front with a view to an early lead. And that nearly paid off as he met a pin point cross from Shep Murombedzi but the ball was just wide.
Moors fans did not have to wait long for a goal though as Darren Carter’s corner on eight minutes sailed over Overton’s head before Joel Kettle at the backpost finished off a simple tap in.
Hancock went close for the home side with just Vaughan to beat and Liburd’s rash tackle gave rise to a free kick within striking distance.
Afolayan was then clattered just outside the box, but Carter’s free kick was not picked up at the far post.
Chris Camwell, on loan from Coventry City, then tried a speculative effort from 20 yards on half time.
His ambitious effort paid off though as Afolayan was brought down in the penalty area, and referee Hart pointed straight to the spot.
Darren Carter made no mistake from 12 yards as Moors doubled their lead.
Moors started the second half on the front foot, though Carline was shown a yellow card after being judged to have dived when in a one-on-one with Overton.
Ossett had a penalty shout of their own dismissed by Hart while at the other end Overton had to scramble to push Afolayan’s close range effort away for a corner.
On 68 minutes, Daly looked to have sealed the match – but his close range effort hit Kettle on route.
With Paul Green on for Camwell and Tahvon Campbell for Afolayan, Moors were starting to look comfortable as time ebbed away.
But Ossett then clawed one back from a cross which was headed back across the goal mouth for skipper Peterson to head home with 14 minutes to play.
As the home side looked for the equaliser, Campbell was left to spearhead the Solihull front line and only a well timed intervention from Assenso prevented a third goal from the Moors as the clock ticked away.
Five minutes added time saw both teams attacking, but Moors held on for a successive First Round proper outing.
Moors travel to West Yorkshire again on Saturday when they visit fellow strugglers, Guiseley, for a National League match.
Pictures: Tom King.
