Paul Crowson admitted that Moulton Harrox were pleased to dodge something of a banana skin in the President Premier Shield on Saturday.
The assistant boss looked on as Moulton defeated hosts Wisbech Town 4-2 on a very tricky surface, booking a semi-final at Premier Division title rivals Netherton United in the process.
With influential skipper Billy King missing with a groin problem, Moulton bossed the first period – but once again struggled to convert their dominance into goals.
They did, however, have a 1-0 lead at the break thanks to a Dan Woods penalty.
That advantage was quickly wiped out when Kieran Hamilton levelled five minutes into the second period.
However, Harrox showed their mettle to re-take the lead instantly through frontman Marcus Parry. Matt “Willy” Watkin then made it 3-1 moments later, before a second Woods penalty put the game beyond the Fenmen.
A comical late consolation from Adan-Jay Lewis failed to dampen the Moulton spirits, with Crowson happy enough with what he saw.
“I thought they were struggling to get the game on at one point,” said the experienced number two. “In the end we got shifted from the main pitch to another one – and it wasn’t the best surface if I’m honest.
“It suited them a little more than us as we tried to play a bit of football.
“Sadly, the pitch wasn’t really fit for purpose. We were dominant in the first half, but did miss a lot of chances again.
“You wondered if it was going to be one of those days again when they equalised, but we went up the other end and scored two quick goals.
“I’m pleased with the performance and result – to be honest we’re just pleased to get this one out of the way and dodge the bullet. Netherton away is a tough draw in the next round, but it’s never going to be easy in a semi-final.”
Harrox are monitoring injuries suffered by Ainsley Johnson (calf) and Josh McGuire (hamstring) ahead of Saturday’s PFA Senior Cup quarter-final at ICA Sports (2pm).
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Watkin, Coddington, McGuire, Cawthorne, L Steadman, Allen, Woods, Parry. Subs used: Townsend, Bailey-Smith, Farrell.
