WITH nothing to play for between the two sides Solihull Moors and FC United of Manchester played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Broadhurst Park on the final day of the Vanarama National North season, reports Jon Clothier.
Despite awful conditions on the journey up, the sun stayed out for Saturday’s match and Moors were determined not to let their opponents become the first team to do the double over them this season.
The visitors almost went a goal down as early as the first minute when a loose back pass forced Danny Lewis to dive at the feet of Thomson but Moors soon settled into the match.
On five minutes Stefan Moore blazed over followed a good through ball by Adam Walker while at the other end Nat Kelly gave away a free kick just outside the box but Thomson’s powerful shot skimmed the bar.
With ten minutes played Moors opened the scoring when Gaz Dean nodded the ball to Theo Streete from a free kick 35 yards out and the Moors skipper drilled the ball into the six yard box where Jimmy Armson hit an unstoppable overhead kick past Carnell.
Moore might have quickly added to the scoreline when he beat the offside trap but he elected to pass when he was one-on-one with keeper Carnell.
Dean had to be replaced by Liam Daly on 15 minutes but Moors continued to push for a second with Moore firing over on 17 minutes and nobody could get on the end of his pass across the face of goal soon after.
The hosts came close when Eckelsley headed onto the roof of the net with the goal at his mercy but it was Moors who added to their lead before the break.
Andy Brown had time for two chances when his 25 yard screamer was spilled by the keeper before he set up Daly to tap in the second goal.
Ten minutes after the break Wright forced Lewis into a smart save after cutting inside from the left before the home fans invaded the pitch in protest of off-field matters.
When play resumed Daly headed into the side netting but it seemed that Moors had been more affected by the protest than the home team who managed to come from behind to claim a late point.
Daly’s perfectly timed tackle on Madeley prevented a one-on-one while Lewis made a terrific save as Thomson unleashed his shot from just outside the box.
With four minutes left the hosts got one back when striker Greaves had the easiest of tap ins after Wright’s shot hit the upright.
And deep into added on time the equaliser came when Greaves found himself alone at the far post for a simple head home to earn FC United of Manchester a share of the spoils.
Moors now focus on the Birmingham Senior Cup Final at St Andrews tonight (Thursday) before attentions turn to next season when they prepare for life in the Vanarama National League.
