Mighty Moulton Harrox all but clinched the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title with a 2-1 victory at Langtoft United on Saturday.
A first-half Ian Bradbury strike and an own goal in the second period were enough for Dave Panton’s side, who made it 28 wins from 30 matches and kept their unbeaten record alive.
The Manor Way Sports Ground success moved Moulton onto 86 points, which is the highest total their nearest rivals Whittlesey Athletic can amass.
Harrox, whose goal difference is 40 better than Whittlesey’s, need a point from Tuesday’s derby with Pinchbeck United (6.30pm) to make certain of the title, with Panton refusing to count his chickens.
He said: “We looked tired. We’ve played a lot of football in the last month and having two games a week has hit the lads.
“However, we did enough to get the three points we wanted and restricted Langtoft to the one shot on goal, which I was very pleased with.
“We know only Whittlesey can catch us on 86 points, but I never count my chickens until they have hatched, we still need that point.
“I think the lads were thinking a bit more about the Pinchbeck game on Tuesday more than this one to be honest.
“We’re all really looking forward to the Pinchbeck game, hopefully we can seal the title. However, we know that form and results go out the window for this one as it’s a classic local derby.
“It could should be a good game and hopefully a healthy crowd will support us.”
With a lot of rain falling on Friday night, the Manor Way pitch was very heavy and wet – but the trip to PFA Senior Cup finalists Langtoft made for another entertaining game.
The first 20 minutes proved to be end-to-end stuff, but Harrox soon got their noses in front.
A great kick forward from keeper Lee Kenealy found top scorer Ollie Maltby – who played in striker Bradbury for a sweet finish.
Moulton then went in search of a decisive second goal, but were pegged back before the break when a long ball over the top allowed James Duffy in to level the scores.
The second period was a different story, with Harrox looking more like their unbeatable selves.
The champions-elect rattled the bar and the post before a superb cross from Bradbury was turned home by a Langtoft defender.
Moulton could even afford to miss a late penalty as they saw out the game well.
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Coddington, Patterson, King, Panton (Clay), Allen (Lambe-Hyner), Bradbury, Maltby, Townsend.
Attendance: 20.
