CARL Williams was the Great Harwood hero as they at last celebrated a NWCL Division One victory.
The substitute scored in the 83rd minute of their derby clash with Bacup on Tuesday night to seal only Harwood's third league win of the season and end a run of six successive defeats.
"We deserved it," said chairman Bill Holden.
"Carl has played for us a couple of times this season but came on, picked the ball up in midfield, ran with it and finished well.
"We have been playing well but haven't got the points so it was nice to finally get a win."
Harwood were playing at Darwen FC after the Showground's changing rooms were destroyed in a fire earlier this year. They had hoped to face Bacup on Thursday night at the Interlink but a sportsman's dinner meant the game was switched to the Anchor Ground two days earlier - and it worked out well for the Robins.
They had been unlucky to lose on Saturday as third place St Helens could only get past Harwood's defence once - but it proved enough.
The Robins are still rooted to the foot of the table but have Formby in their sights as they have six games in hand although need to make up nine points. The bottom two go down.
"I don't know if we can pull off the great escape as it is more difficult as time goes on," continued the chairman. "But the win will give us a lift and the performances in recent weeks against the likes of Fleetwood and St Helens have been more encouraging.
"Former Clitheroe player Mark Stewart has come into the centre of defence and has done well for us."
Harwood have two away trips in the next week. They make the trip to second placed club Newcastle Town (ko 3pm) on Saturday before travelling to Alsager (ko 7.45) on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, their top striker Paul Mashiter, who is on the transfer list at his own request, is currently having talks with league leaders Fleetwood.
And the Football Association have said there is a letter on the way to the Harwood chairman to let the club know if they will receive financial help following the fire.
