Substitutes Billy King and Joe Townsend proved key for Moulton Harrox on Saturday as they came back from 2-0 down to see off Leverington Sports at Broad Lane.
Goals from Adam Bunton and Mark Newton had Harrox floundering in the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division clash, with a defeat potential fatal to their hopes of retaining their league crown.
But a Dan Woods treble and Townsend’s header saw Moulton roar back for a vital victory that keeps them just four points off top spot in the table.
Assistant boss Paul Crowson admitted Harrox’s situation wasn’t looking “too clever” at half time, but ultimately felt that the result didn’t flatter his side in the end.
“They are a different side to the Leverington we are used to,” admitted Crowson. “It wasn’t looking too clever for us at half time, they gave a good account of themselves for 35 minutes or so.
“Then we fell 2-0 down early in the second half and it didn’t look good.
“But Billy King and Joe Townsend, who we’ve really missed, came on and made a massive difference.
“When you don’t have the likes of them available, things are obviously a little harder for us.
“In the end, the result didn’t flatter us at all
“We’re just pleased to get back to winning ways, as a defeat would have been very costly.”
Harrox did lose Ainsley Johnson to a potentially nasty knee injury in the first half, with Crowson unsure as to when he’ll be available again.
He’s certainly missing for this Saturday’s home date with South Holland rivals Crowland Town (2pm).
Crowson admits that his side will take “nothing for granted” against them, despite Crowland now being in the bottom two of the standings
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Watkin, Coddington, McGuire, Cawthorne, L Steadman, Allen, Parry, Woods. Subs used: King, Townsend. Not used: Sinfield.
