Declan Earth fired four goals as Moulton Harrox sealed a third-placed finish in ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division with a big 8-1 win at Leverington Sports on Saturday.
Martin Sandall, Joe Townsend, Dan Woods and Steve Sinfield also netted for Harrox at Church Road, ensuring they leapfrogged Netherton United on the final day of the season.
That means Moulton have finished in the top three in four of the last five seasons.
Having lost 2016 title-winning boss Dave Panton on the eve of the season, assistant manager Paul Crowson reckons third was as high as his side could possibly have finished.
Crowson said: “After our disastrous start to the season, to finish third is very respectable for us – and probably the best we could have expected against opposition such as the top two.
“And to sign off with an 8-1 win was obviously very pleasing. We gave a few of the reserve team players a game and all of them put in very creditable performances.
“Obviously Declan stole the show with four goals. We’ve been on and on at him about stepping up to the first team, but he kept turning us down. Saturday proved that he can do it at the higher level.
“As a package, the entire team did very well. We were 4-0 up at hal- time and then 8-0 up after 60 minutes or so, which was obviously pleasing.
“We expected a tougher game from Leverington if I’m honest, they can be a very tricky side. It was disappointing not to get that clean sheet, but overall we have to be happy with the result and our season.
“We now will have to wait and see what the close season brings.”
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Cairns, McGuire, Coddington, L Steadman, Cawthorne, Townsend, Woods, Earth, Sandall. Subs used: Law, Johnson, Sinfield. Not used: Elderkin.
