SCOTT McGowan returned to competitive action in emphatic fashion after his hat-trick helped 1874 Northwich to create North West Counties history as the first ever club to retain the Macron Cup.

The striker opened the scoring just before the ten-minute mark with a calm finish past Adam Reid.

His second came 10 minutes into the second half as he poked the ball home inside the six-yard box after a series of strong saves from Reid.

McGowan’s third and the final goal capped off an outstanding attacking display from the Greens.

A masterful run by Harry Cain saw him get the better of Ellis Jones before a simple pass into the feet of McGowan, who buried his effort into the far corner leaving Alex Reid routed to the spot.

Speaking after the game, Scott described the occasion as “magical.”

He said: “To get three goals on the scoresheet in the Macron Cup final which is something that means so much to the club is brilliant.

“I don’t read to much into pre-season, I’m not really a pre-season player and I don’t usually score goals in that but when it comes to games hopefully, I can do, and I have done today.

Saturday’s win was the first time since the semi-final win over Shelley since that McGowan had played a competitive fixture for the club and he revealed he was “speechless,” on his return.

“It’s fantastic the faith that Wayne (Goodison) and Paul (Bowyer, co-managers) have put in me and my relationship with the players has always been good,” he said.

“I’m delighted to be back at the club, and it was a no brainer to come back.

After adding to his club record-breaking goalscoring tally, Scott added that it was great to be in front of the supporters again.

“You’ve seen what it’s meant to us as players but then to have the fans back in here and it win it in front of them has been amazing, absolutely superb.”