Harrogate Town boss Simon Weaver delighted for Aaron Martin as striker ends goal drought with winner against Newport County

The 2020/21 campaign began with such promise for the 29-year-old, who scored against Southend United on the opening weekend then followed that strike up with another - against Walsall - just seven days later.

Given that he had spent the vast majority of his career playing in the lower echelons of non-league football up until this point, his early exploits represented quite the start to life in the EFL.

But the goals then dried up, with Martin's only strike since that September effort against the Saddlers coming during November's 4-1 FA Cup demolition of minnows Skelmersdale United.

Yet, despite not being able to get his name on the score-sheet, he has continued to lead the line with vigour, competing fiercely, doing the dirty work, occupying centre-halves and trying to create a platform for his team-mates to build from in the final third.

All that said, even manager Simon Weaver has conceded that the focal point of his Town attack needed a goal, admitting that he was thrilled for Martin after he headed home George Thomson's 66th-minute corner to settle Saturday's contest with promotion-chasing Newport.

"His was a vital performance, he towered above Newport's defence several times. He's horrible to play against, I imagine, that's what he does bring," the Harrogate boss said.

"People might think he's just a battering ram for us, but he's much more than that. He's been instrumental for the team because he wins battles in both boxes and gets us up the pitch with his aerial ability

"But, when all is said and done, if you're a centre-forward you want to score goals, so I'm glad for him. He deserved his goal.

"It was a cracking header. I think it will boost his confidence, that's all he needed. He deserves that because he is a proper team player, but sometimes he has got to be a bit more self-centred and get himself between the posts and score, which he's done today."

Martin was joined in the goals by strike partner Josh March, who followed up his midweek consolation against Tranmere Rovers with a clinical first-half finish to cancel out the Exiles' early opener.

And Weaver was similarly impressed with his other centre- forward's efforts.

He added: "We've probably become too reliant on Jack Muldoon for the legs and energy and pace up front as well as the goalscoring prowess, so to have another player like that in the building is great.

"Josh was definitely deserving of a starting place today after his impact from the bench the other night and he proved what a good goal-scorer he is with a great finish.

"It wasn't an easy finish, but he hit it with total belief. We're very pleased to have him here."

March took the place of Town's 11-goal leading scorer Muldoon in the starting line-up on Saturday, with Weaver opting to give the 31-year-old a well-deserved rest.

And although the fact that both March and Martin hit the back of the Newport net unquestionably leaves him with a selection headache moving forwards, the Sulphurites chief insists that having genuine competition for places bodes well.

"Even Jack Muldoon is benefiting from a little rest. It's been non-stop for him, as I explained when I told him he wasn't in the starting XI this weekend," Weaver continued.

"But, we want a competitive squad, not just a team because we'll be stronger overall.

"I'm sure Jack will be be pleased for Josh March. I prefer these kind of problems to thinking about playing someone totally out of position and them filling in because you can't get away with that at this level."