Moulton Harrox remain on course for a ChromaSport PDFL treble after they breezed into the semi-finals of the President Premier Shield with a 3-0 victory over Uppingham Town on Saturday.
Second-half strikes from Ben Allen and Ollie Maltby – plus a stunning free kick by skipper Billy King – booked Premier Division leaders Harrox a home tie with either Whittlesey Athletic or Netherton United in the last four.
And, with Pinchbeck United also progressing to the semis, an all-South Holland final is looking on the cards.
With Moulton also in the last eight of the PFA Senior Cup, it’s shaping up to be quite a season for Dave Panton’s side.
The boss was impressed with how his charges lifted their performance after a pretty drab first half – and also talked up King’s cracker.
“I thought the first half was poor by our own standards,” admitted Panton. “Nobody was doing anything wrong, but we lacked tempo and a bit of quality.
“The second half started just how I wanted them to. We were faster, stronger and more clinical in our football.
“Every player lifted their standards and we won comfortably in the end.
“The best thing about this team is that, at half time, they knew and agreed what wasn’t right and they knew how to rectify it – which they executed superbly.
“I’m really pleased Billy had a punt at goal (he scored direct from a free kick), he tends to deliver great crosses but I know he’s got that capability in his locker.
“I hope we see it a bit more this season.”
Harrox knew they were in for a tough game against a very tall and physical Uppingham team that came into the game in fine form.
The hosts didn’t start all that well, while Uppingham’s very obvious gameplan was well-handled by the continued great defensive partnership of Ash Coddington and Bobby Patterson, with Jonny Clay and King sat just in front.
Elsewhere, Guy Mantle made his full first-team home debut and fitted in well, offering a great outlet on the wing.
After an otherwise drab first period, the second half was a much improved performance from Moulton.
The opener duly arrived when Maltby teamed up with Allen, who coolly slotted home Harrox’s first.
This meant Uppingham had to come forward more, leaving space in the midfield for the hosts to exploit. Indeed, skipper King started to find time and space – allowing him to dictate the play.
With the pressure building, it was no real surprise when Maltby scored number two after a cool Moulton move.
Panton’s charges then rattled the post twice with Clay and Coddington causing mayhem from set-plays.
However, it was from a different set piece that Harrox wrapped up the win – and how. Captain King stepped up to send a terrific free kick from 25-plus yards into the top corner, rooting the keeper to the spot and sealing his side’s progress.
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Patterson, Coddington, King, Clay (Bradbury), Mantle (Wheeler), Allen, Maltby, Townsend. Not used: Watkin.
Saturday: Moulton v Holbeach Utd Res (2pm).
