Long ban for Netherton boss ahead of big game

Netherton United manager Jon Harrison has been banned from all football for six matches.

The ban is believed to be related to incidents involving referee James Truman in a Peterborough Premier Division match at Moulton Harrox on October 6. Netherton lost that game 3-1.

Neither Harrison, his club or the Northants FA have responded to request for comment.

Harrison will miss this Saturday’s big game against high-fliers Thorney at the Grange (2pm).

Lsast weekend Netherton closed the gap on leaders Moulton Harrox to four points after a 94th-minute penalty from Mark Baines delivered a 1-0 win over Long Sutton Athletic.

Thorney shot up to third after a 3-1 win at Polonia and a 3-2 loss for Sports Development at Stamford Lions.

A keen rivalry, often fuelled on social media, has developed between Netherton and Thorney in recent seasons. Key players Ondre Odain and Adam Scott have left the city side for the improving villagers, as has Dan Fountain.

Harrison, speaking before his ban was issued, said: “We know what to expect from Thorney. They will give it their all.

“For us it’s just another game and if we play to the best of our ability we win, if we don’t, then we can lose as on their day they can beat anyone.

“They have some great players like Ondre, Sam Donahoe an George Edwards, so we have to concentrate, but as always I’m confident.”

Harrox, who went out of the Lincs Junior Cup last weekend, also have a tough game at Sports on Saturday.

Jon Harrison.