BIRMINGHAM SENIOR CUP ROUND TWO
AFC WULFRUNIANS V SOLIHULL MOORS
WEDNESDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2019
AFC Wulfrunians, having defeated Wednesfield in the first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup, faced a sterner test welcoming National Conference Premier side Solihull Moors to the CKW Stadium Castlecroft.
Solihull are currently flying high in the Conference chasing a coveted promotion to the Football League, and last Saturday thrashed Oxford City 5 – 1 in round one of the FA Cup.
Solihull paid AFC the respect of fielding a very strong side and the game commenced with both sides playing the ball around confidently.
AFC won two early free kicks deep in Solihull territory but were unable to capitalise.
The game was an even contest up to the half hour when there was a long delay with the Solihull keeper, Shaun Rowley needing treatment.
When play resumed a poor clearance by the AFC defence created a spell of pressure for the visitors and AFC had their keeper Tom Turner to thank for two smart saves.
As the interval approached AFC created the best chance of the half following fine interplay between skipper Ben Jevons and Craig Gregg with the latter having his close range shot brilliantly saved by the Moors` keeper and it was the home team who had the better of the first half.
HALF TIME: AFC WULFRUNIANS 0 SOLIHULL MOORS 0
The second half started with Solihull on the front foot, upping the tempo and AFC had the woodwork to thank when Terry Hawkridge struck the base of the post for the visitors.
However, AFC weathered the storm and thought they had taken the lead when Jevons headed home from close range following a free kick after a foul on Jumaane Meggoe, the goal being ruled out for a marginal offside.
Solihull capitalised on their let off very quickly when, on fifty-four minutes, Nathan Blissett converted Darren Carter’s low cross at the far post.
Four minutes later Mitch Hancox made it two with a fine finish from the edge of the box for the away side.
Back came AFC and once again a marginal decision went the way of the visitors when their keeper, under pressure from Jack Rowley, appeared to carry the ball over the goal line, the linesman ruled no goal.
From there on Solihull showed their experience and saw the game out to progress to the third round.
A great performance by AFC and a tough workout for Solihull Moors who we wish all the best in the next round.
FINAL SCORE: AFC WULFRUNIANS 0 SOLIHULL MOORS 2