Solihull 2 AFC Telford 1 - Report and pictures

The visitors found themselves two goals down early in the first half against National League North's top side.

Debutant Josh Wilson pulled one back five minutes before half time but despite dominating much of the game the Bucks lost 2-1.

Rob Smith opted for a 4-3-3 formation, which left the side open during the early exchanges.

But when he brought Wilson in to the midfield for the injured John Cofie, Telford looked a different side and were unlucky not to get anything from the game.

Cofie started the game brightly and played a nice back-heeled ball over the top to McCarthy with barely a minute on the clock but the defender shadowed it out for a goal kick.

The opening exchanges remained fairly even as both teams eyed each other up and then Cofie went close, latching on to a through ball only to guide his shot just wide of the post with his back to goal.

Telford were looking to attack early with their 4-3-3 formation favouring quick breaks from defence until Solihull began to dominate in the midfield.

Darryl Knights, who was Solihull's brightest player all half, drifted into some good spaces in the middle.

When he played the ball was played outwide, Beswick could not quite able to reach his cross.

The opening goal followed soon after when Knights again managed to get in a good cross, which this time found the head of Beswick just outside the six yard box on 17 minutes.

Connor Franklin went close for the home side playing in a dangerous cross low and hard across the face, which missed everyone. Appeals for a penalty for a push in the box were turned away soon after.

A nice turn and shot from McCarthy resulted in a corner for Telford on 23 minutes, but it was headed away and eventually led to Solihull's second goal.

Knights again found himself in space and whipped in another good cross, this time for Jack Byrne who took one touch and coolly finished.

Telford were looking very vulnerable on the break so Smith and when Cofie went off injured he brought on Wilson into the midfield with just 27 minutes played.

Dave Hibbert began holding up the ball up well and after turning his man managed to win another corner on 38 minutes, but once again it was easily cleared.

Telford's goal came five minutes before the break when McCarthy, who had been his usual industrious self, chipped a cross straight on to the head of Wilson who made not mistake from six yards out.

Solihull nearly added a third when Andy Brown was allowed time and space to turn but Harry Bugoyne got down well to save just before half-time.

McCarthy started the second-half just as brightly down the right flank but, this time, his cross could not find his man with 53 minutes gone.

A busy opening 10 minutes in the second half led to no real clear cut chances and then Jordan Wynter was cautioned for a late challenge on 59 minutes.

Wilson nearly found an equaliser when he was played through on goal but his effort was tipped over the bar. Tilt then headed the second corner wide.

Telford continued to enjoy the better of the possession and the chances but still found themselves 2-1 down with 63 minutes gone.

Solihull's James Armson made way for Akwasi Asante on 63 minutes and then McCarthy again caused problems, but the goalkeeper was able to punch clear when the ball was lofted into the area.

Theo Streete coiuld count himself lucky to get a yellow card following a late challenge on Jack Rea, who was fortunately okay but was subbed for Sean Clancy anyway on 71 minutes

Adam Walker replaced the lively Knights, who had begun to tire, on 73 minutes and then should have wrapped the game only for Brown to blaze the ball over the bar.

Telford should have been level on 82 minutes when McCarthy, one-on-one with the keeper, seemed to fall over his feet and the ball rolled out of play for a goal kick.

Substitute Asante nearly grabbed Solihull's third when his header from a corner sailed just wide and then Steven Leslie came on for Brown with six minutes remaining.

Telford made a final roll of the dice, bringing Mike Grogan for Wynter with two minutes remaining.