Moulton Harrox finally lost their perfect record in ChromaSport Peterborough Premier Division on Saturday as Netherton United held the table-toppers to a 1-1 draw.
The stalemate ends Moulton’s run of 14 league wins from as many matches this season, but boss Dave Panton was still more than happy to see his side extend their unbeaten record to 15 matches.
It could have been worse for Harrox, who fell behind when Steve Mastin rifled home a fine free kick to put hosts Netherton 1-0 up on their 3G surface at The Grange.
Moulton showed just why they are many people’s favourites for the title, though, as Ollie Maltby smashed home a deserved leveller.
The draw leaves Harrox three points clear of Whittlesey Athletic at the top.
A pleased Panton said: “Despite what anyone says, playing Netherton on their 3G pitch is a massive advantage for the home team.
“Absolutely nothing against Netherton, they applied their game plan against us really well – especially in the first half.
“It proved the lads needed that half to get used to the surface because second half was a really good performance.
“They scored a free kick which was executed very well, but apart from that our keeper didn’t have too many saves to make.
“I thought we could have nicked all three points towards the end, but on the whole a draw was a fair result.
“Playing Whittlesey just before Christmas then Netherton away, I would have taken four points from those two fixtures beforehand so I’m really pleased with that.
“Again, great credit to the players who dug in and showed superb character on a difficult surface and club to come to and take points from.”
Moulton were expecting a tough start to 2016 – and hosts Netherton didn’t disappoint them.
Panton’s side took their time getting used to the artificial surface and the hosts put them under great pressure.
That was, however, suppressed by strong defensive showings from Bobby Patterson, Ash Coddington and Jonny Clay.
With Ben Allen dangerous as always, Moulton came back into what was a high-quality first period, but the sides went in level at 0-0 at half time.
In the second half Moulton found their rhythm and quality. Skipper Billy King started to get the ball into better areas and Clay began to really dominate the aerial battle in midfield.
Joe Townsend and Phil Groves were attacking the flanks with both Allen and Maltby testing the keeper on more than one occasion.
However, against the run of play, Netherton’s Mastin buried a great free kick from 20 yards to put the hosts on the brink of a surprise win.
Harrox showed their character and bounced back swiftly and levelled, with Maltby racing onto a King through ball and smashing home. The same combination linked up soon after, but the crossbar denied them.
Both sides had chances to win it late on, but in the end both were happy with a share of the spoils.
Moulton hosts Uppingham Town in the last eight of the President Premier Shield on Saturday (1.30pm).
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Patterson, Coddington, Clay, King, Allen, Maltby, Townsend, Wheeler. Sub used: Mantle. Not used: Watkin.
