ROUTE One Rovers appear to be struggling without ace marksman Zak Khan, as they lost without scoring again in midweek.

A 2-0 home defeat to Garstang on the opening day in the North West Counties Football League First Division North got last season’s eighth-placed side off on the wrong foot.

And their start to the campaign did not improve on Monday night, as Bacup Borough also left Marley with a 2-0 win.

Khan scored a sensational 36 league goals for Route One in 2023/24, but the striker’s red hot form caught the eye of their Bradford rivals Campion.

The Red and Blacks snapped him up ahead of the new season, with Khan moving up a level in the non-league pyramid to play Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Route One’s landlords Steeton have also begun with two defeats from two.

They were dreadful in their opening day 3-0 defeat at Maine Road, but were much improved last night against Nelson.

Jake Townsend (11) and his team-mates were off the pace on Saturday, and though they improved last night, they lost again.Jake Townsend (11) and his team-mates were off the pace on Saturday, and though they improved last night, they lost again. (Image: Ian Meachin.)

Their hosts are the NWCFL First Division North favourites, and they took an early lead through Charlie Frost.

But Steeton were excellent in the first half, and Owen Williamson netted a deserved equaliser on 32 mintues.

And despite the visitors giving it their all after the break, Nelson’s class told.

Frost scored twice more as the hosts recorded a 3-1 win to leave Roy Mason’s men stuck at the foot of the embryonic table.

Route One sit second-bottom and are the only side yet to score in the division this season.