CIAN KEEPS IT A TIGHT RACE
CIAN HARRIES nerveless late Aldershot penalty ensured parity in an enthralling game which maintained both sides’ play-off positions.
Moors snatched a second-half lead that was reward for their increased ambition, but Harries scored his sixth spot-kick of the season to keep it tight at the top.
“We could have won the game and we could have lost it,” Moors manager Andy Whing said. “In the end we’re delighted with a point but I think the penalty looks soft.”
Aldershot shaded a cagey opening period. Theo Widdrington twice went close from distance, including a low drive tipped around the post by Nick Hayes, but the story of the first-half for both sides was largely one of missed opportunities.
Jordi van Stappershoef parried Joss Labadie’s shot, and the hosts somehow survived the ensuing scramble. Hady Ghandour guided a free header wide from Olly Scott’s cross, and Tolaj intercepted Tyler Frost’s pass which would have created a great chance for Josh Stokes.
Soon, though, Solihull took control, with the experience and quality of Jamey Osborne driving them on.
Tyrese Shade crashed an acutely-angled drive off the post, and within five minutes he was again frustrated by the same post after being found in acres of space in the penalty area by Tahvon Campbell.
A helter-skelter game increasingly needed a moment of composure, and the former Shots striker continued his prolific run of form with a simple tap-in at the far post after James Clarke flicked on a well-worked corner.
Scott hit the post and Tolaj volleyed the rebound over the bar, and James Daly saw his shot blocked on the line by Clarke amidst the latest melee. Widdrington again went close but for all of their excellent passing the equaliser came via route one.
Van Stappershoef’s huge clearance sent Tolaj racing through on goal and, as he was about to shoot, the Swiss striker fell under pressure from Stearman. The ensuing red card was as inevitable as Harries’ composed penalty, and The Shots set about finding a late winner through eight added minutes.
Daly’s off-balance header, which dropped inches wide, was the final action, leaving a phlegmatic Tommy Widdrington to say: “Coming back into the game is a positive but I want to win every game. They’re a well-organised, well-drilled and wellcoached side, and they’re difficult to break down.”
STAR MAN: Jamey Osborne (Solihull)
ATT: 3,501
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
REFEREE: James Durkin