Mooi potje tussen Solihull en Blackpool! #FACup pic.twitter.com/dK6zX0Svjw
— Jesse Dekker (@JayJKDekker) November 30, 2018
Solihull Moors goalkeeper Ryan Boot thundered the ball into the groin of Blackpool forward Armand Gnanduillet during Friday night’s FA Cup tie at Damson Park.
National League side Solihull held their League One opponents to a 0-0 draw but will feel aggrieved having had what looked to be a legitimate goal ruled out for offside following a short corner routine.
But French-Ivorian forward Gnanduillet will have a gripe of his of his own to look back on, receiving Boot’s powerfully driven clearance in a sensitive area from close range.
He was left reeling in pain on the turf during the 2nd round match, which was televised live on BBC2.
Ouch…
Watch Solihull Moors v Blackpool on @BBCTwo and online now. https://t.co/RnGa9hDTZb#bbcfacup pic.twitter.com/cq7DjliAoF
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 30, 2018
While it’s unlikely to have been a tactical instruction, it’s nevertheless noteworthy that Boot’s manager is former Blackburn goalkeeper Flowers.
A mainstay of Rovers’ 1995 Premier League title winning team, Flowers took over as Solihull boss in June when Mark Yates left to join Macclesfield.
His side lie 6th in the Vanarama National League, seven points off table-toppers Leyton Orient.