James Ball hat-trick helps Solihull Moors thrash Oxford City

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2019 by PA

James Ball’s hat-trick eased Solihull Moors into the second round of the FA Cup with a commanding 5-1 win at National League South side Oxford City.

The Moors broke the deadlock when Jake Beesley’s cross from the right found the towering Paul McCallum, who comfortably nodded home from inside the six-yard box.

The visitors doubled their advantage when Ball tapped home following a squared pass from Beesley.

Ball added to his tally before half-time, calmly finishing past Craig King after a loose ball broke to him inside the penalty area.

Oxford had a nightmare start to the second half as Solihull racked up two more goals within five minutes.

McCallum scored his second of the match, bundling the ball over the line for the Moors’ fourth, while Ball completed his hat-trick minutes later when he slotted home following a smart King save.

Kyran Wiltshire gave the home fans something to cheer about with 10 minutes left as his sublime free-kick flew in off the crossbar from 25 yards.

However, the consolation was not enough as the Moors completed a professional job reaching the second round of the FA Cup for the third time in the last four seasons.