STEVE Butterworth was overjoyed after a wonder goal from Jake Gordon guided Great Wakering Rovers to a 1-0 victory over Witham Town.

Gordon’s long range strike allowed Wakering to bounce back to winning ways and remain in the hunt for an Isthmian North play-off spot.

And Butterworth admits Gordon’s goal came moments before the winger was due to be substituted at the Simarco Stadium.

“The gale force winds ruined the game because there were few moments of quality on a poor pitch,” said player-manager Butterworth.

“But Jake scored a worldie from 30 or 40 yards out and it was only 30 seconds before I was going to take him off.

“It was an unbelievable goal but that didn’t stop me substituting him!

“I knew one goal would win the game, so I told the players beforehand that we had to make sure it was us who scored.

“Having said that, it should have been more comfortable because Ayo Odukoya and George Purcell went through on goal but dragged their shots wide.”

The triumph means Wakering are just four points adrift of the play-off places.

And the win came despite Wakering being down to the bare bones.

“It was a professional job and they never looked like scoring,” added Butterworth.

“We were the better side and controlled the game.

“Despite the poor conditions, we tried to play in the same way as we have all season and the win was important because it keeps us in the chasing pack for a play-off place.

“The conditions made it a difficult game for our flair players - like Jake, George and Jack Stevenson - but we were down to the bare bones, so I had no choice but to play them.

“Admittedly, my players were struggling to get up for the match and trying to get them motivated was the hardest thing.”

Ollie Woodhouse was also able to bring the curtain down on his Wakering career with three points and a clean sheet.

The defender is relocating to Bristol and Butterworth was pleased to see Woodhouse sign off in style.

“Ollie led us out and he was superb,” admitted Butterworth.

“It was probably one of the easiest games he has had because of Witham not creating many chances.

“But he was solid as ever and it was great for him to leave with a win.

“Losing Ollie is a big blow and he has been a fantastic servant.”