Four-some Moulton Harrox continued their flawless start to the ChromaSport Peterborough League Premier Division season with another super success on Saturday.
Early efforts from Bobby Patterson and Joe Townsend and a second-half Ben Allen double clinched a 4-1 victory at promoted Ketton – and made it four wins from as many matches for Harrox.
New boss Dave Panton had nothing but praise for his side, who are looking like being one of the teams to beat this year.
Panton said: “I thought we adjusted to the conditions really well.
“It was exceptionally hot and the pitch was very heavy with the grass well overdue for a cut.
“It was a classic case of home advantage, which suited the home team who had a number of players with a lot of UCL experience.
“Confidence is high and I am very impressed with our start. Our feet will remain firmly on the floor and I know as well as a number of experienced players are aware that we must continue putting in the hard work, quality and performances we have started the season with.”
Moulton’s preparations for the clash were far from ideal, as they arrived later than anticpated due to an untimely 20-minute wait at the Tallington rail crossing.
That was reflected in their play, as they struggled for the first 20 minutes in very warm conditions.
However, solid defensive play from centre backs Patterson and Ash Coddington, plus a few smart stops from keeper Lee Kenealy, ensured that no damage was done.
Moulton soon seized command and Patterson headed them into the lead following a corner from skipper Billy King.
Not done there, winger Townsend continued his purple patch with a second to make it 2-0 at half time.
Panton tweaked his tactics a little at the interval – and it paid immediate dividents when Allen fired home number three to give his side a bit of breathing space.
Former Bourne Town striker Alex Brockbank pulled one back for Ketton, but Allen soon restored the two-goal cushion when he collected a fine pass from Townsend to bury goal number four.
There was even time for captain King to screw a penalty wide in the closing stages, but it mattered little.
Moulton host rivals Crowland Town on Tuesday night (6.30pm).
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Cardell, Patterson, Coddington, L Steadman, King, Townsend, Allen, Wheeler, Bradbury. Subs: Abell, Johnson, Sandall.
- Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Crowland Town were thrashed 6-0 at Whittlesey United, while Holbeach United Reserves were 4-0 winners at Uppingham Town.
Steve Barnes, Sam Deykin, Dan Dougill and Cymon Lambe got the goals.
