MOORS EYE A PLAY-OFF RUN
BOTH teams got what was required from a dour clash that was settled by the sprightly Jack Stevens three minutes from time.
Stevens drove into the box and fired high back across goal from a Callum Maycock cutback to ensure Moors gained a crucial edge.
Despite defeat, York knew not losing by three or more would be enough for survival and spent the final two minutes of added time passing across the back unchallenged by Solihull whose victory sealed home advantage for Tuesday’s Eliminator with Gateshead (7.45).
The late intervention was required, though, arriving at a very similar stage to Gateshead’s winner at home to Bromley that would have seen Solihull landed with a lengthy midweek road trip if they hadn’t won.
Boss Andy Whing said: “I toiled all week over what team to play. Results in the week meant it was in our hands so we went as strong as we could bar one or two.
“I was delighted we got the goal, it was a really good move and we needed it in the end with Gateshead coming back. We have put ourselves in a great position to attack the play-offs, something we are looking forward to.
“The first half was a bit of a non-event, they knew a draw would keep them safe and we didn’t do enough to break them down.
“After half-time it was a lot better. We had chances and got in behind them a little bit more, our movement was better. We can be better and while it wasn’t the greatest game to watch, we take the win and move on.”
York’s Lenell John-Lewis
was offside when he swivelled to net in the 13th minute and later rolled Marvin Armstrong into the box only for the midfielder to run into traffic.
Moors improved after the break with Tahvon Campbell and Tyrese Shade having shots charged down and substitute Jon Benton rippling the roof of the net from a free-kick.
A big chance came Joe Newton’s way in the 71st minute, Shade feeding his run from deep but Watson slid out at his feet.
Stevens’s goal could not stop York’s bumper away following from celebrating as Boreham Wood’s relegation was confirmed but boss Adam Hinshelwood insisted that feelgood factor had not transmitted to the dressing room.
“It shows how far we’ve come that there was a sombre feeling in the changing rooms, and I like that,” he said. “We lost and I don’t want that to feel like the norm, for us to get used to just staying in this division.
“I would definitely have taken it a couple of weeks back, particularly after losing to Altrincham, but I like that there were no big celebrations.
“We were in the game and gave Solihull lots to think about.”
STAR MAN: Daniel Batty (York)
ATT: 2,800
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Paul Marsden