Relentless Moulton Harrox took another step towards the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title by romping to a 5-1 victory at Uppingham Town on Saturday.
Another hat-trick from top scorer Ollie Maltby, plus further efforts from defender Bobby Patterson and frontman Ian Bradbury, ensured Moulton stretched their unbeaten league run to an impressive 19 matches.
And, with title rivals Whittlesey Athletic and Netherton United drawing 0-0, Harrox are now two points clear at the top of the table with two games in hand ahead of Saturday’s trip to third-placed Peterborough Sports Reserves (2pm).
Boss Dave Panton felt that his side were full value for their 18th league triumph of the season – and admitted that he’s looking forward to facing rivals Sports.
Panton said: “Playing on a heavy and poor pitch was not easy.
“With all due respect to Uppingham, who tried to play football, we were the much better team.
“At times it was too easy, which worked against the players in the first half as they were getting frustrated with themselves.
“We had a calming session at half time and enjoyed the second half – getting another three points was the main goal of the day.
“Ollie was again on fire, but the lads behind him are working with him superbly well. Saying that, Ollie is simply not missing at the moment.
“We are all looking forward to playing Peterborough Sports Reserves next week, which I’m sure will be a very hard game.”
Moulton simply dominated possession from the off and went ahead after ten minutes when Maltby finished off a nice move involving Ben Allen.
The red-hot Maltby then doubled the lead before half time after teaming up well with striker Bradbury.
At half time, Moulton were encouraged to show a bit of patience and quality. The team responded really well – and Maltby duly completed yet another hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 26.
It was 4-0 when Bradbury got amongst the goals to end a minor dry patch, before centre half Patterson completed the scoring with a bullet header.
Uppingham did notch with the last kick of the game due to a bit of ill discipline, but the points were already secured.
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Clay, Patterson, King, Watkin (Coddington), Allen, Townsend (Mantle), Bradbury, Maltby.
