Patterson pleased with Harrox show as local legend Smith lends a helping hand

Joint boss Bobby Patterson praised his Moulton Harrox side after seeing them come from a goal behind to beat hosts Stamford Belvedere 4-1 on Saturday.

Harrox also played an hour of the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division game with ten men, having had Josh Ford sent off in the first half.

Kieran Duffy-Weekes gave Belvedere an early lead at Stamford Welland Academy as Moulton made a sloppy start, but Ashley Coddington’s header levelled matters.

Then came Ford’s red card, dished out for putting his head towards an opponent after receiving a late tackle.

Despite starting the second half with ten men, Moulton had a great chance to go 2-1 up when Declan Earth won a penalty – but then picked himself up to miss the subsequent spot-kick.

That didn’t derail Harrox, though, as ex-Wisbech Town ace Billy Smith – who was helping Moulton out on the day – jumped off the bench to score a fine free-kick.

His thunder was somewhat stolen by Gary Chappell, though, as he scored a stunning goal from the halfway line to make it 3-1.

Earth then wrapped things up with a fine individual goal, moving Moulton up to fourth in the table and six points behind leaders Stilton with two games in hand.

“It was a good performance,” said Patterson. “Although we didn’t do well in the first 20 minutes and we deserved to go behind.

“We just started to get a footing in the game when Ashley made it 1-1, but Josh was sent off and we just had to get through to half time.

“Bringing on Billy Smith made a difference in the second half, he hasn’t played for nearly two years but he made things happen and that free-kick turned the game. After that we looked in control and we’re very pleased with the win.

“Obviously we had a tricky start to the season, but now is the time to start putting in consistent performances.

“We’ve got Stamford Lions this weekend, but after that it’s games against Uppingham and Stilton, who are both going well.”

Harrox: Murphy, Clay, Gardner, Coddington, Chappell, J Smith, Kisla, Townsend, Clarke, Earth, Ford. Subs used: Cundy, McGuire, B Smith.