Netherton made their third tough away trip in a row, after victories against Long Sutton and Sutton Bridge they were facing Moulton Harrox in the semi final of the Presidents Shield.

Many predicted this to be the match of the season as both sides are in contention of winning the league. Moulton produced a fantastic playing surface, incredible for the time of year.

Netherton had a full strength squad to pick from apart from notable absentees Ondre Odain, Jack Barron and Ben Daly.

The boys started the game knowing that a final wasn’t just at stake but a good win would be a statement of intent for the league as well.

It didn’t take long for Netherton to get on top, Randall was causing problems out wide for the opposition right back who tugged his shirt in the area leaving the referee (who was impeccable all afternoon) no choice but to point to the spot. Callum ‘Cool Head’ Madigan stepped up to tuck it away.

Moments later Zac Fisher produced a goal that had assistant Simon Roberts (manager of his own table topping Netherton United Under 14 side) purring “that was the best goal I have ever witnessed from a player in a Netherton shirt.”

Zac picked up a Dan Fountain pass, rolled the defender then unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 20 yards. We didn't have to wait long for the third, coming a minute later and in all fairness was a carbon copy of the second goal. Centre stage this time was taken by Karl Gibbs. He was far too strong for the defender, Karl brought the ball down from his chest and beat the keeper in the same style as Zac Fishers earlier effort. In all honesty there could have more goals for the city side with Dan Fountain missing the easiest of chances at the far post.

Half Time Moulton Harrox 0 - 3 Netherton

Netherton United manager Jon Harrison was obviously delighted at being three goals up at the break, but knew a goal for the home team would give them a lifeline.

The managers half time talk worked, the city side started just how they’d finished the first half, dominating every blade of grass. It didn’t take long for Netherton to add a fourth.

Roving full back Ryan Wood picked the ball up in his own half and drove at his opposite number jinking one way and another, completely bamboozling him before going by him and unleashing an unstoppable pile driver from a tight angle.

A lapse in the Netherton defence like the week before gifted Moulton a present. James McDonough didn't deal with a long throw which which resulted in the ball deflecting past the helpless Netherton keeper Aaron Keir.

That error jolted the away team into action as they went straight up the other end and scored a fifth, a great driving run from captain Ash Jackson with some slick passing ending with Fisher slotting the ball home.

The leagues top scorer Zack Fisher then completed his hat trick after sitting veteran defender Bobby Patterson down before tucking the ball away. He fully deserved his Man of the match award in one of the best individual performances of the season.

Full Time : Moulton Harrox 1 - 6 Netherton

A word from Netherton manager Jon Harrisson
Nobody comes to Moulton and beat them as comfortably as we did today. The boys were great and won their individual battles which made it possible to get this emphatic result. I’d be a fool to think Moulton won’t come back stronger after this humbling defeat but they now know that we are made from sterner stuff with more to come. I’m pleased for Thorney FC who will be our opponents in the final after last years challenges, what a difference hard work and loyalty make.

Team: Keir, McDonough, Madigan (Watson) Hansford, Wood, Fountain, Baines (Mastin) Jackson, Randall, Gibbs (Ellis) Fisher.

Man Of The Match: Fisher