Joe Townsend’s strike in the first minute of the second half was enough to see Moulton Harrox end Stamford Lions’ long unbeaten run in ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division on Saturday.
Harrox saw off Lions 1-0 at Broad Lane to hand the high-flying Stamford side their first league defeat since October 1 – and also keep their hopes of retaining the title very much alive.
The visitors had skipper Daniel Sheehan dismissed for two yellow cards on 38 minutes, but still made life difficult for Harrox before also having Ben Easson sent off five minutes from time.
Indeed, assistant boss Paul Crowson admitted that it was hard to tell which side was a man down – but wasn’t bothered at all by the performance.
He said: “Lions are a very decent side. I think they just lost their discipline a little bit on Saturday.
“After that, they dug in and made life very difficult for us. It was very tight – and I don’t think we really played all that well.
“There wasn’t much between the teams and you’d have been hard pushed to tell which side was a man down, but that doesn’t matter at all.
“At this stage of the season we only care about results – and we got one.
“If we’d have lost points, it would have been hard to challenge for the title.
“As it is now, we’ve still got a chance and remain in the mix with Peterborough Sports and Netherton United still to play.”
Harrox, who drew 3-3 with Thorney on Tuesday night, visit leaders Sports on Saturday.
Crowson added that “nobody gives his side a chance” in that clash, but feels Moulton may surprise a few people.
They are, however, sweating on the fitness of defender Willy Watkin after he was injured on Saturday.
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, D Cairns, Watkin, Coddington, McGuire, King, Cawthorne, Townsend, Woods, Parry. Subs used: Bailey-Smith, Farrell and Francis.
