Glen Taylor scored twice as Moors kept their Wembley dreams alive with a superb win at National League Sutton United in the FA Trophy quarter-final.
Moors’ in-form Number 9 opened the scoring on 15 minutes, latching onto a lofted ball and smashing home beneath Jack Sims to put Moors into the lead. The captain then got his and Moors’ second deep into the second half as he prodded home with a brilliant finish.
The game began with Sutton dominating in possession. However, the hosts were unable to take advantage of any of it against a resolute and organised Moors line-up.
Steve Morison’s men were almost architects of an unusual own goal as Hayden Muller got onto the end of a Glen Taylor cross from the left. The defender looked to clear, but ended up whacking the ball into the turf and seeing it loop over into the stands behind.
The U’s came forward on the counter themselves just seconds later, forcing a brilliant diving save out of Brad James, who sprung to his right to claw away Will Davies’ powerful header.
Moors then took the lead in the through talisman Taylor, as the front man plucked a lofted ball from Ben Beals out of the air before leathering a volley below Jack Sims int The U’s net, sending the 161 Moors faithful into raptures.
Sutton really couldn’t get themselves into the swing of things as Moors confidence began to grow, evident through Taylor’s ambitious effort from halfway, that soared well wide.
Corey McKeown came close to doubling Moors’ advantage just after the half hour mark. Reece Staunton lofted a ball deep into the area, where McKeown took a touch, before unleashing a volley from close range. Unfortunately, Sims was on hand to prevent the goal, putting the ball out for a corner.
Confidence was clearly surging through the squad, and they came close yet again just before half time. It was Dan Rowe that almost prodded Moors into a two-goal advantage this time as the ball bounced around in the six-yard box. The big centre half looked to get a touch to try and force it home, but Sims was there yet again to just about claim.
Sutton tried to grab a surprise goal before the end of the half through Ryan Jackson, but his powerful effort bounced wide of the post and out to end the first 45 minutes of action.
Steve Morison made a change to his attacking personnel during the brake, bringing on talented winger Dillon De Silva to try and give his side the platform they needed to draw level and rescue their semi-final hopes.
It was Moors who opened the second half with more promise however, as Taylor got into space down the right, but was unable to pick out a teammate in the area as Sutton managed to win themselves a goal kick.
The hosts drove up the pitch at the other end with pace and almost found their equaliser through Josh Coley. A deep ball to the back post from De Silva found the number 7, who struck one back across goal, only to be denied by the diving head of Ben Beals on the line.
Half chances came and went for both as the game began to level itself out. Brad James was on hand to claim De Silva’s low cross into the area, before Junior Mondal smashed one wide from distance at the other end.
Lewis Simper was next up to test James as he forced a brilliant low save out of the shot-stopper. A smart strike from The U’s number 5 saw the ball fly towards the bottom right-hand corner and would’ve gone in had it not been for some impressive reflexed from James, who got down well to deny Sutton of their equaliser.
Moors were reluctant to let this game swing into Sutton’s hands however, as Rowe almost headed home on the 64th minute. An inswinger from Matty Dolan found the head of the centre back, who headed down into the ground, almost catching Sims off guard. Luckily for Steve Morison, his keeper was able to claim.
The U’s really began to throw the kitchen sink at Moors, as Staunton was forced into a goal line clearance, though not quite as theatrical as Beals’ in the first half.
De Silva was causing real issues for Moors’ defence as he continued to cling to the far side. This time, the substitute produced another low ball into the area, which forced a thumped boot away from danger from Beals, who had been having a brilliant game.
Moors tried to beat the pressure, but their chances came to nothing as Staunton’s cross was too deep for anyone to get onto, as well as Dolan’s effort from his own half flying well wide of the mark.
Graeme Lee’s men were beginning to feel some serious pressure from the National League outfit as James was called into action to stop a U’s man’s cross after he’d got in behind the defence at the byline.
Just as it looked like Sutton were going to find their way towards a leveller, that man again, Glen Taylor was there to settle the tie in Moors’ favour. This time he sneaked in behind the home defence to get on the end of an inviting ball from Staunton, which bamboozled Sims as the striker clipped a cute finish past the keeper at the front post.
A monster performance from all involved, as Moors reached their first FA Trophy semi-final in the Club’s history. A monumental achievement and unbelievable day for players, fans, staff and directors alike. Graeme Lee’s men await the draw on Monday afternoon.
Full Time: Sutton United 0 Moors 2
Sutton United: Sims, Woodyard (Wadham 59), Coley (Boateng 81), Vaz (De Silva 46), Jackson, Ransom, Muller, Barbrook, Simper, Nadesan, Davies.
Subs not used: Kerbey, Tume.
Booked: Woodward (45), Davies (29), Wadham (90)
Moors: James, Ledger (Shrimpton 69), Rowe, Beals, Staunton, Dolan, Ross, Mondal (Myers 86), Dyson, McKeown, Taylor
Subs not used: Johnson, Luck, Rutledge, Huntley
Booked: Ledger (53)
Referee: James Durkin
Attendance: 1,578 (161 Moors)
Written by Noah Betts
Photos by David Nelson
