Netherton United 3
Moulton Harrox 2
Downbeat Paul Crowson admitted that Moulton Harrox shot themselves in the foot on Saturday as they blew a 2-0 lead at Netherton United in the semi-final of the President Premier Shield.
Early headed goals from Marcus Parry and Ashley Coddington at The Grange had Harrox on-course for a mouth-watering final against South Holland rivals Pinchbeck United.
But a poor backpass allowed dangerman Tom Randall in to reduce the arrears on the half hour – and the same player then won a disputed penalty on the stroke of half-time.
As in the league game at Broad Lane, Moulton were incensed at referee Paul Gale for again giving the softest of penalties against them, but Herbie Panting kept his cool to level the scores.
Netherton created chances aplenty after the interval and it was no real surprise when top scorer Randall completed the comeback with his second of the day to make it 3-2.
Harrox number two Crowson felt “hara-kiri” defending and “shocking refereeing” were to blame for his side’s demise, but urged the players to focus on finishing as high as they can in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division.
“For 35 minutes we looked to be in no danger,” bemoaned Crowson. “But we shot ourselves in the foot with a poor defensive error.
“The referee, who was shocking yet again, then gave them a soft penalty against us for the second time this season. After that we lost our heads a little bit and you’d have to accept that Netherton created more chances after that moment.
“You have to look at the key moments and say they went against us. The mistake we made and the timing of the penalty were vital.
“The momentum swung their way and, on a 4G pitch they are used to, there was only one winner after that.
“It’s bitterly disappointing for us, but we need to pick ourselves up and focus on the league. We’ve got 11 games left and there’s still a chance we could win the league or finish second.
“I would like to say how well Jake Cawthorne played on Saturday, though. He was fantastic and deserved to be on the winning side.”
Harrox return to league action this Saturday, with Langtoft United the visitors at Broad Lane for a PDFL Premier Division clash (2pm).
The sides drew 2-2 in the reverse fixture back in January.
Right back Phil Groves returns but left back Ainsley Johnson is still out, while striker Dan Woods and skipper Billy King are doubtful after coming off injured in the Netherton defeat.
Harrox: Kenealy, Price, McGuire, Watkin, Coddington, King (L Steadman), Cawthorne, Townsend, Allen, Woods (Maddison), Parry. Not used: Bailey-Smith.
