Solihull banish Bees to strengthen play-off push

Posted Wednesday, February 12, 2020 by PA

Solihull edged out in-form Barnet 1-0 to claim their first win since New Year’s Day and boost their Vanarama National League play-off hopes.

Terry Hawkridge’s first-half penalty condemned the visitors to their first defeat since November, but Solihull had to withstand plenty of pressure after the break.

The hosts started the brighter and Daniel Wright had a header punched clear by Scott Loach before Hawkridge struck in the 19th minute.

Jake Beesley was brought down inside the area and Hawkridge sent Loach the wrong way from the spot.

Solihull almost doubled their lead in the 27th minute, but Alex Gudger headed against a bar and Wright saw a shot scrambled off the line, with the rebound going wide.

Barnet came out for the second half with renewed purpose and Solihull had goalkeeper Ryan Boot to thank for keeping them in front.

First he got down low to his left to parry a Simeon Akinola effort and then kept out Josh Walker, the Barnet man played in by a fine ball from Dan Sweeney.

Barnet kept pressing and Walker headed just over before, in the 86th minute, Boot pulled off a stunning stop to claw away a Callum Reynolds attempt which had looked headed for the top corner.