HEARTBREAK GIVES MOOR MOTIVATION
ANDY WHING says Solihull Moors’ play-off final agony will fuel their FA Trophy bid against Gateshead today.
And opposite number Rob Elliot admits his side will also be fired up by their own promotion frustrations.
Moors return to Wembley six days after they missed out on a place in the EFL for the first time in the club’s history after losing to Bromley on penalties.
Boss Whing said: “To come off the back of such a disappointment, we want a nicer feeling this time coming away from Wembley.
“If that gives us extra motivation, then that’s brilliant and the players will have learned from that massive experience.
“Then we can give it a right good go.”
Defender James Clarke added: “I’ve been here three years and the fan base has grown and everything about Solihull has progressed so much in such a short space of time. If we keep doing well on the pitch, the fans will come with that as well.”
Gateshead also suffered National League play-off disappointment when they were prevented from taking part in the end-of-season showdown because of a stadium dispute.
The Tyneside club were unable to demonstrate they met the EFL criteria that clubs have a guaranteed 10-year tenancy at their home ground.
Elliott (below right with chairman Neil Pinkerton) is also attempting to make amends after losing to Halifax in last year’s Trophy final.
The Heed Army boss said: “The situation has not been ideal, to say the least, but my focus is on us reacting as a group and trying to make the point that we would have been a force in the play-offs if we were able to play in them.
“I think that this situation can give us extra motivation to go out and leave a good impression on everyone, as it is a great day for the club and every single player deserves the opportunity.”