Boss Dave Panton saluted a “fantastic performance” as Moulton Harrox stormed into the final of the ChromaSport PDFL’s President Premier Shield with a 3-0 win over Premier Division rivals Netherton Town.
Goals from top scorer Ollie Maltby, Joe Townsend and Ben Allen clinched a memorable win at Broad Lane and kept Harrox’s hopes of a double alive.
The Premier Division leaders also have an all-South Holland final with rivals Pinchbeck United to look forward to at Stamford’s new Zeeco Stadium to on May 13 (7.30pm), after Ian Dunn’s side won their semi 4-0 at Stanground.
Having lost a PFA Senior Cup quarter-final against Whittlesey a few weeks ago, the win is a big boost for Moulton. But, while looking forward to the final, Panton has now called on his side to turn their full attention to winning the league.
He said: “The lads were disappointed with themselves after the Whittlesey game and put it right in this fantastic performance.
“It was a very disciplined performances from Willy Watkin and Billy King, who were fantastic as they won their personal battles all afternoon.
“Ollie Maltby, as usual, was fantastic and scored an outstanding goal to break deadlock.
“Joe Townsend also didn’t stop running, while Lee Kenealy in goal was so dominant in his area it fed confidence throughout the team.
“The whole back four were solid and I’m so pleased for the players.
“They deserve a final and we are looking forward to visiting Stamford’s new ground and, of course, playing local rivals Pinchbeck United.
“The final will probably be the last game of the season so our full attention and effort now needs to be on the league, which I’m sure won’t be a problem to ensure we give that our full commitment.”
Netherton started the brighter with good possession, but it was Moulton who went ahead on ten minutes when Guy Mantle crossed for the in-form Maltby to volley home a fierce effort.
More possession followed for United, but the great high work rate from skipper King, Watkin and Maltby gave Netherton no opportunities to penetrate.
Playing on the counter attack, Townsend then doubled the Harrox lead when he finished a great move involving King and striker Ian Bradbury.
After half time Moulton introduced Martin Sandall, who worked hard up front and ensured the Netherton defence has less time to bring the ball out.
And, from a lovely curling ball in from full-back Ainsley Johnson, Sandall should have sealed the game – only for his effort to clip the outside of the post.
With Netherton pushing forward looking for goals, speedy winger Allen came on and duly sealed Harrox’s progress with a super slotted finish.
Moulton Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Clay, Patterson, King, Watkin, Townsend, Mantle (Allen), Bradbury (Sandall), Maltby. Not used: L Steadman.
