A spectacular Liam Blakeman strike with time running out secured the points for AFC Telford United in an otherwise unspectacular clash.

It was still far from the free-flowing performance that Bucks fans have become accustomed to in recent years.

But it’s hard to argue with three consecutive victories in league and cup – and a fantastic four cleansheets on the spin.

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This one had 0-0 written all over it – despite half a dozen clear United chances – until Blakeman produced a moment to savour.

The midfielder, otherwise invisible in the second half, rushed on to a loose ball following a Sean Newton corner and smashed a perfect half-volley into the top corner from 25 yards.

Whether it was a corner at all to begin with is open to debate – Solihull goalkeeper Daniel Crane was adamant that he hadn’t touched the ball on its way out – but Blakeman believed Telford were due a slice of luck.

He said: “I said the other week when I scored that I wanted to start shooting a bit more.

“I just nipped in front of the lad and gave me a little nudge which helped me a little bit because he’s pushed me into the path of the ball

“The gaffer said at half-time to start shooting, so I just thought I’d have a bang and luckily it went in.”

United found the going tough in the first half as the home side worked hard to close them down quickly.

The lively Steve Thompson went close on 19 minutes with a glancing header from a Newton corner, but the Moors defence scooped the ball off the line.

Andy Brown tried his luck with a dipping effort from distance before Solihull started to assert themselves.

Peter Faulds should have put his side in front after losing Shane Killock at the back post, but his weak effort was gathered by Ryan Young.

Substitute Mark Gardner was next to terrorise a nervy United backline, the striker turning Gavin Cowan inside out but failing to beat Young from well inside the area.

It was Telford who were cursing at the interval, however, after Gavin Hurren’s goal was disallowed.

Andy Brown tried an overhead kick after Phil Trainer’s shot deflected into his path – and although he missed it and Hurren tidied up, the referee blew for high feet.

Telford were marginally better in the second half, although their finishing left a lot to be desired.

Boss Rob Smith was left thrashing the air in anger seven minutes in when Tom Field failed to test the ‘keeper with a shot that flashed across the goal.

And next to receive an ear bashing was powerhouse Trainer, who turned his marker inside out and did manage to get a shot away, only for a heroic block from Liam Daly to deny him a fifth goal of the season.

As frustrations grew, United brought on Danny Carey-Bertram for Field and dropped Newton back into the hole between midfield and attack.

That gave the former Port Vale man more freedom – and the move nearly paid off immediately as he thrashed a shot inches wide of the post.

With 13 minutes remaining, a trademark Newton cross was flicked on by Hurren and poked goalwards by Cowan from just six yards.

It looked as if his effort had just screwed past the post – but the referee thought Crane had got a hand to it and awarded a corner, from which Blakeman smashed home with confidence.

United swiftly reverted to 5-4-1 with Stuart Whitehead coming off the bench for the final 12 minutes.

Solihull kept probing and may have been unfortunate not to have a penalty late on when Junior English appeared to be tripped by Cowan.

Played was waved on, though, and Telford held on for a priceless win to move to within six points of the Blue Square North top six.