The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A 4-0 win over ICA Sports proved to be the perfect tonic for Moulton Harrox on Saturday as they celebrated lifting the ChromaSport PDFL Premier Division title in typical style.
On the field, Harrox raced into a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to a powerful Ben Allen effort and a strike from top scorer Ollie Maltby, who linked up well with Ian Bradbury.
Two more goals came in the second half at Broad Lane, as Maltby headed home Billy King’s cross for his 42nd goal in 33 appearances and defender Bobby Patterson nodded home a trademark effort from a corner.
The victory, Harrox’s 30th from 34 league games, capped a sensational first season in charge for boss Dave Panton.
He couldn’t hide his delight at what was a memorable day for all concerned with the club.
Panton said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for the club. We got off to a great start and didn’t drop any points until January.
“The lads’ commitment to training and the games proves that, with hard work and commitment, good things happen.
“We have been a bit lucky with injuries, in that we haven’t had many. That allowed a settled team to be established relatively quickly, which was a key feature this season.
“We also played to a good standard and maintained it throughout the season.
“With our last game at home on the hottest day of the year, we couldn’t have scripted it any better. The lads all showed up, played really well, got the win and lifted the trophy for the first time at Broad Lane.
“It was great to see most members of the club present and to see (captain) Billy King lift the trophy.”
JUST CHAMPION! Moulton number two Paul Crowson (left) and boss Dave Panton hold the PDFL Premier Division title aloft. Photo (by NIKKI CLUCAS): VNC070516-52
For Panton, his maiden season at Harrox couldn’t really have gone much better.
Moulton went unbeaten for the first 30 league games of the campaign and could still clinch a double if they defeat rivals Pinchbeck United in Friday’s President Premier Shield final at Stamford (7.30pm).
The ex-Bourne Town Reserves chief has built on the fine work done by ex-boss Paul Kent and turned Harrox into the undisputed top team in the PDFL this season.
Panton added: “Personally, I’m very pleased and proud.
“Moulton is a great club, but following the successful management of Paul Kent was never going to be easy – especially with the famous treble season on his CV.
“However, I took the job on and made a few changes. We established training and confirmed Paul Crowson was continuing as assistant.
“We also had a few players leaving and returning and appointed a new skipper.
“Billy was in a similar situation to me following Phil Groves, who had captained Moulton brilliantly over the years.”
Harrox: Kenealy, Groves, Johnson, Patterson, Coddington, Steadman, Watkin, King, Allen, Maltby, Bradbury. Subs used: Lambe-Hyner, T Panton, Townsend. Not used: Clay.
