Moulton produced a dominant performance to run out 9–1 winners, but the scoreline doesn’t fully reflect the effort and resilience shown by an Irchester side who battled tirelessly throughout.

Against the run of play, it was Irchester who struck first, taking a surprise 1–0 lead early on and momentarily silencing the home crowd. Moulton responded well, though, with Adam Dicks pulling the hosts level — a well-worked corner routine straight off the training ground paying dividends.

Louie Kelly then took centre stage. His first of the evening, again rehearsed in Monday night’s session, saw coach Scotty Goodacre claim the assist as Moulton turned preparation into goals. Kelly went on to grab his second of the night — Moulton’s third — to give the hosts a 3–1 lead at half time.

The second half started at a relentless tempo, and Moulton showed their strength in depth. Substitute Hugo Neve made an instant impact, scoring with his very first touch to make it four. Sheku Kamora followed soon after, capping off an all-action display with a deserved fifth goal.

Debutant Alex Glover then enjoyed a dream introduction to life in a Moulton shirt, coming off the bench to score an impressive hat-trick and put the game firmly out of reach. George Steers completed the scoring with Moulton’s ninth of the night.

Despite going down to ten men early in the first half, Irchester never let their heads drop. They worked their socks off until the final whistle and showed real character in difficult circumstances.

Moulton’s tempo and intensity were superb from start to finish, dictated brilliantly by Man of the Match Charlie Dye (sponsored by Dusty’s Coffee Shop), whose performance set the tone all over the pitch.

A fantastic team performance from Moulton — but full credit to Irchester for their effort, commitment, and refusal to give up.