Moors Head Through On Thrilling Play-Off Night

By Sam Elliott

Solihull Moors are into the play-off semi-finals after resisting a FC Halifax fightback.

Jamey Osbourne’s late goal killed off the plucky Shaymen, who came from 3-0 down to nearly find a leveller.

Jack Evans before half-time and a fantastic Florent Hoti strike kept Halifax in the hunt and they nearer levelled when Rob Harker hit the crossbar. But it was game over when the Solihull skipper made it safe three minutes from time.

Captain Osbourne lashed in to set up a game at Barnet on Saturday and manager Andy Whing said: “We started like a house on fire then they find some goals and think ‘he we go the play-offs are here anything can happen.

“But we had control and we’re thrilled. It’s about getting through and we’ve done enough to win the tie. We showed great character.”

In the National League South, Matt Rush haunted his former side as he levelled things up for Maidstone United.

Emmanuel Ogunrinde had visitors Aveley ahead in the first hald - Mo Fall struck deep into stoppage time in the second to seal a semi-final date with Worthing on Sunday for the Stones.

Still no goals from open play in the National League North play-offs this season - like Alfreton and Boston last night, Chorley and Curzon went goalless all the way to penalties.

It was Andy Preece's side who advanced as Kieran Glynn sealed things in the shootout after Jordan Richards and Hayden Campbell missed for the away side.

Confirmed Vanarama National League Play-Off Semi-Finals:
Sat 27 April - Barnet v Solihull Moors - 5.30pm
Sun 28 April - Bromley v Altrincham - 4pm
Sat 27 April - Scunthorpe United v Boston United - 3pm
Sun 28 April - Brackley Town v Chorley - 3pm
Sat 27 April - Chelmsford City v Braintree Town - 3pm
Sun 28 April - Worthing v Maidstone United - 3pm

Where next?

Chorley Ride Their Luck As Preece Calls For Improvement Andy Preece accepts Chorley got lucky last night but reckons his players are due a bit of good fortune.
More Eliminators Loom Large On Night Two Of The Play-Offs Night two of the Vanarama National League play-offs swings into life in a matter of hours with three massive matches with a live TNT Sports game for good measure.

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