Solihull Moors fans are dreaming of the FA Cup third round after a convincing 5-1 victory against Oxford City. A second round match against Rotherham United on Monday is all that stands between them and a place in the hallowed third round.

Solihull travelled down to the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ on the back of a narrow Fourth Qualifying Round win over fellow National League side Barrow. They calmed any nerves on the Marsh Lane 3G pitch when top goalscorer Paul McCallum’s header from close range found the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead. James Ball doubled the Moors’ advantage with a composed finish to the keeper’s right and made it three before the half-time whistle, all but confirming Solihull’s place in the next round.

Tim Flowers’ men carried their ruthless first-half form into the second, inflicting a nightmare start on the hosts with another two goals from Ball within eleven minutes of the restart. Oxford City pulled a goal back late on with an impressive free-kick from Kyran Wiltshire that flew past Solihull keeper Ryan Boot via the crossbar, as City’s FA Cup run was ended by the West Midlands team.

The Moors now face a stern test against League One outfit Rotherham and will look to cause an upset at Damson Park. Relegated from the Championship last season, Rotherham have had a modest start to life in League One under manager Paul Warne and sit sixth in the league standings as they look to bounce back at the first attempt. They defeated Maidenhead United 3-1 on the road in the first round with all their goals coming within the last half an hour after a shock early goal for the hosts. 

With the Moors third in the league and still in the cup, their strong form means that this game should be an intriguing spectacle for the neutrals. The game will be broadcast live under the floodlights on BT Sport One at 7:45pm on Monday 2nd December, providing national attention and a substantial financial boost of £75,000 – on top of the potential match winnings – for Solihull.

However, the greatest incentive of all will surely be the prospect of reaching third round, the holy grail for non-league clubs. This is the phase when Premier League and Championship clubs enter the competition, meaning the Moors could earn a game against one of the top teams in the country, if they can get past Rotherham. 

Amongst the other Midlands clubs currently competing in the cup, Stourbridge, of the Southern League Central, were prevented a famous First-Round victory with a late Eastleigh goal taking the match to a replay, and a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture on Tuesday ended their FA Cup dreams. Oxford United await as League Two Walsall travel to the North-East after conceding a 97th minute equaliser against Darlington, whilst Coventry City eased past Colchester United with a 2-0 victory and will face either Ipswich Town or Lincoln City in the next phase of the competition.

Elsewhere, there are other mouth-watering ties to be played. Eighth-tier Maldon and Tiptree are guaranteed to face League One opposition in the form of Grimsby Town or Newport County. After receiving a bye in the First Round draw due to Bury’s Football League exit, Chichester City – the lowest-ranked side left in the competition – will travel to either Wycombe Wanderers or Tranmere Rovers. National League North side Altrincham face an exciting trip to Fratton Park to play 2008 winners Portsmouth. The second round looks finely poised and, with the third round within sight, this will be a hugely competitive round of matches, with cup-upsets on the cards.

The Second Round will take place from Friday 29th November to Monday 2nd December.