Calum Howarth returned from injury in today’s North Caledonian League match against Halkirk United for the Reserves Team and marked it with the winning goal in a 4-3 home success.
We made a flying start with a quick fire double from Sam Gordon. The winger ran in from the right to meet Rory Williamson’s perfectly flighted pass before rounding the goalkeeper to roll in the opener after just five minutes.
Then, just seven minutes later, Gordon nipped in ahead of his marker to meet a Seamus McConaghy cross from the left with a cool, first time finish, which made it two.
Halkirk showed they were not there just to make up the numbers though and despite a slow start, they pulled one back on 14 minutes thanks to a fine finish from Koba Koziol.
Gordon had a great chance to complete his hat-trick a minute later though when he met McConaghy’s delivery with a close range volley but he directed the ball over the crossbar.
We made it 3-1 on 21 minutes after a fine, sweeping move down the right. Neat passing involving Scott Mutch and Williamson released Gordon down the wing and his cross was directed home by the head of the on-rushing McConaghy at the near post.
Almost immediately though, Halkirk pulled one back as we were caught square at the back, allowing Ben Sinclair to advance in and place home United’s second.
Five minutes after the restart, Howarth rose highest in the box to power home a header off a McConaghy corner to put us 4-2 in front.
That proved to be decisive as Sinclair’s second of the game late on pulled it back to 4-3 but we managed to hold on for all three points.
Nairn County Reserves – Dylan Maclean, Scott Mutch, Kenny McKenzie, Adam Porritt, Calum Howarth (Nathan Grant 60), Lewis Mitchell, Euan Logan (Robbie Lean 46), Rory Williamson (Kieran Duffty 70), Liam Shewan, Sam Gordon (Kyle Torrie 80), Seamus McConaghy. Sub unused: Reid Peterkin (gk).
