The recent departure of in-form striker Craig Gillies to King’s Lynn Town Reserves has left Chatteris Town in a spot of bother as to who could replace his goal-scoring exploits. So what next for the Lilies?

Gillies’ 26 goals in both league and cup has sparked the Fenland side’s 2015/16 campaign into life, who are seventh in Kershaw Senior A with multiple games in hand over those above them and still in with a chance of winning three cup competitions. Although it is a major ask for any player to do what he has done, the team can still progress - even without a prolific talisman.

While there is a gap to fill up-front, there is an opening for another potent forward to take his chance. With the number of players available at his disposal, manager Ashley Taylor will look to be impressed with those playing below the first team before searching elsewhere. Those such as Alex Ashley, a crucial member of the reserve squad after returning from rivals Chatteris Fen Tigers, and Ross Alexander may be given a promotion to Taylor’s side, while Gary Smith might be moved into a central position after scoring nine goals whilst a winger.

The impact of life without Gillies could halt Town’s current form, both now and until May. Since his arrival from Doddington United, the club are the joint-top goalscorers outside the top five in the league with 36. Without him, Taylor will not want to see this figure remain the same and will hope for some star-studded quality to arrive to maintain their quest for a successful season.

The Lilies will want to show no effect of this setback, and with a winning formula, they may not regret their striker’s exit after all.