A late winner from Jack Stevens snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory for Solihull Moors against Aldershot Town in a fiercely contested National League clash at the ARMCO Arena.
The home side took the lead in the 10th minute when Conor Wilkinson, assisted by John Bostock, opened the scoring. The goal’s immediate aftermath saw Aldershot’s Aaron Jones booked for a foul, setting the tone for a physical encounter. Wilkinson himself also received a yellow card later in the first half for a foul.
Aldershot Town fought back after the break, levelling the score in the 56th minute through Jack Barham, with the assist coming from Ryan Jones. The equaliser spurred both teams into action, leading to a flurry of substitutions. Aldershot introduced Jonny Stuttle and James Henry in the 66th minute. Solihull responded with a series of changes of their own, including replacing goalscorer Wilkinson with Bradley Stevenson in the 70th minute and bringing on Oliver Tipton for Bostock shortly afterwards. Both sides continued to make changes as the game progressed.
Referee Gareth Rhodes kept busy, issuing further yellow cards to Aldershot’s Cameron Hargreaves and substitute Jonny Stuttle, while Solihull’s Stevens and substitute Stevenson were also cautioned. Just as the match appeared to be heading for a draw, Stevens, who had earlier been booked, emerged as the hero in the 89th minute, netting the winner from a Joe Newton assist. The late goal sparked jubilant celebrations amongst the Solihull faithful, with even Stevens picking up a yellow card amidst the excitement.
The victory moves Solihull Moors up to 9th in the National League table with 31 points, while Aldershot Town remain in 17th place with 22 points. The two sides have a close history in recent seasons, having met four times previously, with two wins for Aldershot, one for Solihull, and one draw.