TOP scorer Andy Fowler says he has rekindled his love for football once more hitting the net for Northwich Victoria.

The front man, picked by his teammates and supporters as Vics’ Player of the Year, capped a debut campaign to remember by lifting the Mid-Cheshire FA Senior Cup last week.

“It was a great feeling to hold the trophy,” he said.

“I was made up to be captain for the night and to sign off for the season with a cup in my hands was perfect.”

Northwich needed penalties to sink underdogs Congleton Town before completing a second success knockout double after retaining the Cheshire FA Senior Cup last month.

They missed out on a cup treble though, losing to Ashton United in the Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup final.

Fowler said: “That’s the one we really wanted.

“We’ve not done bad to win two cups, although of course everybody wishes we’d finished higher in the league.”

The Liverpool-born striker has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite for his energy out on the pitch, an attribute borne of enjoying his trade again.

A goals-laden stint at Vodkat North West Counties League Premier Division minnows Bootle, who play two levels lower, preceded his switch to the Victoria Stadium last summer.

“I feel at home here now,” said the 24-year-old.

“All year round I’ve just given my all – I’ve not felt that sensation since I left Everton [prior to signing for Bootle].

“I’ve gained in confidence as the season has gone on.

“It’s been good making the step up, I feel at home at this level now and can do my stuff speeding past people at pace and scoring goals.”

Plenty of them too.

Fowler’s tally of 14 goals from 32 starts in the Evo-Stik Premier Division is a feat made more remarkable by the fact he has played most of the season away from his favoured striking role.

He added: “The gaffer told me last summer that 20 goals would be decent at this level.

“I’ve got more than that if you count the cups, so I’m happy.

“It feels at times that I’ve played everywhere, but I don’t mind as long as I’m out on the pitch.”

He told the Guardian that Vics’ league placing, 12th, was not down to defensive distraction.

On the contrary, sharper shooting will be needed next season if Andy Preece’s men are to be contenders for a return to the Football Conference.

Their goals haul – 66 from 42 games – was higher than only four teams that finished outside of the relegation zone.

“We’ve not been clinical enough,” said Fowler.

“The lads have created loads of chances and we’ve not stuck enough away, myself included if I’m honest.

“To go to the next level we’ll need to be more ruthless when we’re on top in matches.”

He admitted that the mood in Vics’ dressing room was muted after a failed bid to reach the play-offs.

Trophy success helped, but the striker concedes that his eye had been on a bigger prize; promotion.

He said: “Over the past dozen games or so we’ve had a solid core and results improved with it; it shows that with a settled team we can produce something.

“It’s been hard with so many new people coming into the team and with them comes a different style of play or a different personality to get used to.

“But I hope we can keep this group together because I’m confident we can push on from here next season.”