Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Division
Houghton Main 1-3 North Gawber
North Gawber recovered from conceding a 55-yard wonder free kick to land a knockout blow on resurgent local rivals Houghton Main.
The victory was their first since late October – excluding the ‘away win’ at High Green Villa.
But Scott Chipchase’s side didn’t have the best of starts as Nathan Simms’ Houghton gained a freak lead.
Louis Wardle’s wind-assisted from out-wide in his own half deceived the Gawber goalkeeper and landed in the top corner.
It took some time for Gawber to get into some rhythm but once they did, there was no stopping the 2019 champions.
The visitors enjoyed a lot of joy down the right and that’s how the equaliser was scored.
Gawber broke down that flank and Lee Elsworth finished the move with a deft header.
With winds in their sails, Gawber sensed blood and became dominant.
Carey Welford’s desire to win back a lost cause enabled the second goal to be scored.
He glided across the dead-ball line before sending a low cross into the six-yard-box where highly-rated Houghton captain and centre-half James Byford sublimely toe-poked the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Jake Bedford added the third goal.
