Joe Townsend scored what may be the fastest goal in Moulton Harrox’s history as they eased to a big 8-1 win at ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division basement boys Oakham United on Saturday.
It’s now five wins from as many league matches for Harrox this season, with Townsend (3), Andy Law, Billy King, Declan Earth, Jonny Clay and Ian Bradbury all getting on the scoresheet.
Townsend’s rapid first was perhaps the pick, as he raced onto a ball forward from kick off and expertly lobbed the keeper.
Assistant boss Bobby Patterson, who even managed a rare appearance as a substitute, admitted that the victory was routine and expected from a team of Moulton’s stature.
Patterson said: “It was very comfortable for us, if I’m honest. We were on a hiding to nothing – an 8-1 win or a similar big win was what everybody expected.
“If we’d have ‘only’ won 2-1, people would have said we should have won by more.
“We went there and treated them with the respect they deserve, but it was very clear from the very start that it would be a pretty routine win for us.
“To have Joe score after six seconds was the perfect start and we never really looked back.
“There’s not much more that you can say about these kind of games, it almost becomes boring when you’re so dominant – I mean, even I came on as a sub!
“Oakham battled, but we had too much for them and we got the job done.”
Next up for Moulton is perhaps their toughest game of the season as they welcome title rivals Peterborough North End Sports to Broad Lane on Saturday (2pm).
North End defeated Netherton 2-1 on Saturday, so Patterson knows that he, boss Kev Nottingham and the Harrox lads are in for a tough afternoon.
“It’s our toughest game so far for sure,” added Patterson. “But these are the games you look forward to.
“We’re all buzzing for this one and it calls for a traditional Moulton performance. We’ve got plenty of medals and experience between us, so we’ll have to call upon all of that.
“We’ve got no divine right to win games at this level and this match is the first of a tough run that can shape your season.”
Long-term absentee Marcus Parry misses out, but Edgaras Buzas could return to the squad and teenager Alfie Woodward will again be involved.
Moulton: Taylor, Clay, Coddington, Johnson, Woodward, Kisla, King, Law, Townsend, Earth, Bradbury. Subs used: Groves, Morgan, B Patterson.
