Solihull Moors 2, Redditch United 1

REDDITCH United’s 2014 Wembley dreams were ended in Birmingham as they were narrowly beaten by Conference North high-fliers Solihull Moors, writes Lewis Cox.

The battling Reds fell behind courtesy of a James Mutton own goal before Ryan Beswick doubled Solihull’s lead and rendered Jamie Spencer’s late strike a mere consolation.

Liam McDonald’s men came with a game-plan to press high with the hosts in possession but in truth started rather tentatively against the side gunning for promotion to the Conference Premier.

A Beswick corner was met by Dominic Langdon after three minutes, the defender’s header drawing a fine stop from the Sam Hornby, who enjoyed a fine afternoon.

With 13 minutes on the clock the home side should have broken the deadlock, Jordan Gough whipping in a delicious left-sided cross for Beswick who could only help over.

Midway through the first-half and the gradual pressure took its toll in cruel fashion as a long, high ball over the visiting backline caused panic and Mutton could only help ball over the onrushing Hornby and into the back of his own net.

Ash Sammons was always a threat from distance for Redditch, playing behind Jermaine Hylton who continued to terrify a fierce opposition defence in much the manner he has all season.

Sammons came closest for Redditch moments before the break after good work from Hylton and Simeon Maye before Beswick should have finished when faced with Hornby inside the box.

Hornby was again on top form keeping out a Michael Nottingham header on 55 minutes before Solihull doubled their lead two minutes later as Hornby kept out a Liam Daly header but could do nothing to stop Beswick’s rebound.

George Carline’s goalbound strike was blocked by daly on the hour before Spencer halved the deficit with 20 minutes remaining - finishing well into Breeden’s top corner.

The tremendous Reds following were left fuming as Hylton sped past Daly with 12 minutes to go and was brought down by the Solihull skipper, only to receive a booking, the infringement also appeared inside the penalty area.

Hylton dragged wide and Jordan Cullinane-Liburd was off-target as Redditch valiantly huffed to no avail.

Redditch: Hornby 8, Jones 7, Flanagan 7, Oshungbure (c) 6 (Angus 55, 6), Scarr 6, Mutton 7, Maye 7, Spink 7 (Cullinane-Liburd 68, 6), Carline 6, Sammons 6 (Spencer 60, 7), HYLTON 8.

Not used: Caines, Catlow