Stanground Sports Res 2
Moulton Harrox Res 3
Delighted boss Kev Nottingham paid tribute to his Moulton Harrox Reserves side as they completed a memorable double on Friday night.
The Division One champions came from 2-0 down to beat Stanground Sports Reserves 3-2 in the PFA Challenge Cup final at Yaxley’s In2itive Park, rounding off a stellar season in the process.
Goals from Aaron Dunmore and Thomas Osborne put Division Two side Stanground 2-0 up inside 15 minutes as a shock looked to be on the cards.
But Andy Williams scrambled home a key goal for Harrox moments before the break, which set the stage for Danny Lambe-Hyner to run through and level early in the second period.
The scores remained level up until the final five minutes, when skipper John Ball stepped up to smash a match-winning penalty into the top corner.
Nottingham, who has tipped a few of his players to step up to Harrox’s first team next season, felt it was the perfect way to end a successful season for the Broad Lane boys.
He said: “As expected, it was a very close final. But I think the result was fair.
“We hadn’t played for a few weeks prior to the final and you could see that in the first half. We looked beaten at 2-0 down.
“But that goal before the break allowed us to have a positive chat at half time and the lads really rallied.
“We looked a different side in the second half, with our quick forwards really taking advantage of a tiring backline.
“John held his nerve brilliantly at the end and it was a great way to end what has been a fantastic season.
“We can enjoy it now, but the challenge is to come back after the summer and retain our trophies.”
Moulton Res: Wilding, Hall, Patterson, Price, Williams, Ball, Lambe-Hyner, Thorold, Sinfield, Sandall, Earth. Subs used: Elderkin, Farrell, Wheeler. Not used: L Hudson, West.
MOTM: Earth.
