FILLING a 30-goal void is tricky for any outfit.

That is a challenge 1874 Northwich were facing when, on the eve of the new season, it was revealed that club record goalscorer Scott McGowan had left the club.

He got the chance to test himself at a higher level with Nantwich Town, and he went with the club’s blessing.

Replacing someone who has been so prolific became the immediate priority – but was it too much of a job for one player?

Ash Woods was brought in from neighbours Northwich Victoria and he had started well prior to the stoppage in fixtures, scoring twice in his first five games.

Now, he is joined by another former Vics man in the shape of the vastly experienced Aaron Burns, who debuted in the FA Vase loss to West Auckland Town.

Between them, could they carry the load?

“He came into training and looked sharp, so we had no hesitation on throwing him straight in against West Auckland. That will do him good,” 1874 co-manager Wayne Goodison said of Burns.

“He’s disappointed he didn’t score but he held it up well for us.

“It gives us an option when the league does come back with playing him and Ash Woods together.

“It gives us something different in behind, which we’ve wanted to do but we perhaps haven’t been able to.

“Ash has done great but we were always looking to bring another forward in.

“When we knew Scotty had gone, we had to look to do something different.

“Aaron’s goalscoring record speaks for itself and he’s confident he can get the goals for us. Ash has already got two or three.”