Boss Dave Panton was delighted with the character shown by his Moulton Harrox side on Saturday as they came from behind to win 3-1 at Thorney in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division.
A double from Joe Townsend and a further strike from skipper Billy King fired Harrox to their 19th win from 20 matches in the league – and kept their amazing unbeaten record intact.
And, with rivals Pinchbeck United earning a fine 1-0 victory at title rivals Whittlesey Athletic, Moulton are now three points clear at the top with two games in hand on the rest.
Panton admitted that his side didn’t start well at Bushfield Sports Centre, but was ultimately delighted by their comeback.
He said: “We didn’t start at all well and went 1-0 down. However, the lads showed great character and simply dug in deep – which you sometimes just have to do.
“Thorney gave us a very good game, but massive credit needs to go to the lads for turning the game around after our start. It was a great reminder that teams in this league will punish you if you don’t play to a certain standard.
“We showed great character, determination and, most of all, good old fashioned hard work. I’m really pleased with another three points.
“I did think it was going to be one of those days, though, with a number of efforts either going just off target or being saved time after time by their keeper.”
There was a late switch of games for Harrox on Saturday, with the expected trip to Peterborough Sports Reserves called off and Thorney stepping in as hosts.
Moulton found their opponents determined and energetic from the off, allowing them no time on the ball. The home side got the goal they deserved, too, as a rare mistimed header from Willy Watkin allowed Thorney to go 1-0 ahead.
That seemed to wake the table-toppers up, with Townsend, Ben Allen, Ian Bradbury and even top scorer Ollie Maltby all seeing shots saved before Townsend eventually levelled the scores before the break.
Moulton began the second period well on top – and soon had a numerical advantage when a Thorney player was sent off for shoving King.
This gave Harrox a boost – and Townsend soon pounced on a mistake to fire them 2-1 to the good.
Young Tom Panton was introduced and made an instant impact with a few good crosses, one of which was buried by captain King to seal the points.
Harrox will be hoping for more of the same when they host lowly Sawtry on Saturday (2pm).
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Patterson, Coddington, King, Watkin, Townsend, Allen, Bradbury (T Panton), Maltby (Hudson).
