Alty out of the FA Cup on penalties

Solihull Moors 2 Altrincham 2 (Solihull win 3-1 on penalties)

Alty bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup in Fourth Round Qualifying after an agonising penalty shootout loss at Solihull Moors on a soaking wet night in the West Midlands.

Both sides showed attacking intent from the off, with chances at both ends within the opening five minutes

Kian Ryley hit the Alty bar with an acrobatic flick, before an Alex Newby free kick found the head of Charlie Olson at the other end, who in turn forced Laurie Walker into a smart save.

A couple of dangerous corners were then dealt with by the away defence, but the next ball into the Alty box was dispatched into the net by Joss Labadie to give the home side a 12th minute lead.

A Lewis Baines blocked from a Bradley Stevenson shot kept Altrincham in the tie, and soon it was the visitors' turn to go forward with confidence.

The best efforts from a spell on the front foot saw Tom Crawford have a shot blocked and Alex Newby's low drive well held by Walker in the Solihull goal.

That pressure final told on 31 minutes. Newby flung a dangerous free kick to the back post and Charlie Olson headed low under Walker for the equaliser.

After a low key start to the second half, the game was blown open just after the hour. Newby clipped a cross into the box from just outside the D, and Tom Crawford got ahead of Jamey Osborne to stab home from inside the six yard box.

The goal looked to have given Alty passage to the first round, but just as the clock ticked over into injury time Jamey Osborne found the corner of Ross' net from the edge of the box to send the tie into extra time.

Tylor Golden was alert to clear a flicked on long-throw off the line during the first period of extra time, with a number of chances in the second half coming and going for Regan Linney and Alex Newby.

But ultimately it was spot kicks that would separate the sides. The home side converting their opening three to claim their place in the First Round Proper.

Solihull Walker; Clarke (c), Newton, Whitmore, Oakley (Bowen, 53'), Stevenson, Bostock (Osborne, 53'), Tipton, Labadie (Wilkinson, 105'), Howell (Stevens, 63'), Ryley (Gale, 76'). Subs not used: Morrison, Flahavan.

Altrincham Ross; Banks, E.Jones, Baines (c) (J.Jones, 76'), Linney, Newby, Amaluzor (Nuttall, 106'), Wilson (Humbles, 91'), Reddin (Golden, 87'), Crawford, Olson (Kosylo, 91'). Subs not used: Haygarth, Randle.

HT 1-1

Goals Labadie 12', Osborne 90'+1 | Olson 31', Crawford 61'

Penalties Linney (missed); Stevens (scored); Nuttall (scored); Wilkinson (scored); Crawford (missed); Gale (scored); Newby (saved)

Yellows Stevenson 45', Osborne 58', Clarke 75' | Wilson 11', Ross 45', Olson 81', Crawford 90'+4

Reds None | None

Referee Andrew Humphries

Assistants David Nicholson & Tim Walker

Fourth official Martyn Mitchell

Attendance 688 (152 away)

Next Up

It's Gateshead who visit The J.Davidson Stadium for a Vanarama National League clash on Saturday (3pm).

Tickets available online here or you can pay at our cash turnstiles. You can also secure your hospitality spot in The John King Lounge for £65 here - space is very limited so act quickly to avoid disappointment.

 

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