RYAN Lowe has admitted he is delighted to open his scoring account for the Shakers.

The 30-year-old, who signed from relegated Chester in the summer, netted twice in Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory over Hereford and showed exactly why his signature was highly coveted by Knill.

“It was a relief to get off the mark,” said Lowe. “The lads had been giving me stick because I hadn’t scored yet — I hadn’t even scored in training — but I wasn’t panicking.

“We dominated in the second half and the gaffer keeps stressing to us what good players we are and to keep it nice and easy and the spaces will open up for us.

“There is competition for places again now so we have to score goals to stay in the team and that is what the gaffer wants.

“You know you have to stay sharp and it does give you a kick up the backside when you see two quality centre-forwards on the bench. One of the reasons I wanted to come here was the fact that this squad is capable of pushing for promotion.”

Lowe was shaken by the cruel injury suffered by fellow new recruit Danny Carlton last week, but he realises competition for places is still fierce and he is looking forward to playing alongside whoever the manager partners him with.

“I am gutted for Danny,” said Lowe. “It’s a shame he has picked up such a nasty injury because he’s a nice lad. With no disrespect to Andy Bishop and Andy Morrell we were trying to strike up a partnership for them to battle to get their shirts back. It’s a big disappointment for Danny but that’s the way it is in football. I wish him all the best.

“As players we should be able to play with whoever comes in and whoever the gaffer picks. You have to strike up an understanding quickly.

“There are some good strikers here and I’m sure whoever is picked will do well so they stay in the team.

“Danny Carlton’s goals record speaks for itself, Mozza has played at a top level in the Championships and Bishop has been the leading scorer at this club for the last few years, so we have a top quality forward line.”