Two Declan Earth strikes gave Moulton Harrox Reserves a 2-0 derby win over Long Sutton Athletic on Saturday as they edged closer to clinching the ChromaSport PDFL Division One title.
Earth, who now has 31 goals for the season, notched at the end of each half to extend Moulton’s unbeaten run to 24 games.
Carl Taylor also saved a John Ball penalty in the second half, but it was Sutton who had the better chances throughout the game at Broad Lane.
Sam Moses and Matty Oliver were causing problems with their pace and determination, while player/boss Matt Cawthorn – usually so clinical – missed a few big chances.
Cawthorn said: “We pushed the soon to be crowned champions all the way on their own patch, which fills us with confidence.
“We should have been out of sight by half-time, but came in behind.
“I’m proud of the performance and the lads. It’s disappointing to lose, but we gave it all we had. On my behalf, I was disappointed not to take the chances I had.
“I feel like I let the boys down, as that’s my job to score goals.
“All the best to Kev and the Moulton boys for the rest of season, they will be deserving champions.”
Harrox defender Bobby Patterson agreed that Sutton were the better side, but felt missed chances cost them dear.
He said: “I’ll be honest, we put on our worst performance of the season on Saturday.
“I think some big performances in the last few weeks caught up with us. Sutton were the better team on the day, but didn’t take their chances.
“We stuck to our shape and two Dec Earth goals sealed a big three points. We’re nearly there.”
This Saturday sees Sutton take on Tydd St Mary in the final of the Spalding Inter-Services Trophy at Carter’s Park (6.30pm).
Harrox, meanwhile, host Peterborough Polonia at Broad Lane (2pm).
Harrox Reserves: Wilding, Price, Rose, Hall, Patterson, Ball, Steadman, Thorold, Williams, Sinfield, Earth. Subs used: Elderkin, L Hudson. Not used: West, J Hudson, Dhanji.
Sutton: Taylor, Ramm, Brandon, Melton, Bennett, M Oliver, Brothwell, B Oliver, Ward, Moses, Cawthorn. Sub used: Narducci. Not used: Rumsey.
