McLeish drops down to fire up Harefield
Striker makes impressive debut after move from Uxbridge
MANAGER Jason Shaw hopes persuading former team-mate Aaron McLeish to drop down two divisions will help fire his Harefield United side up the table.
Former Beaconsfield SYCOB, North Greenford United, Chalfont St Peter and Northwood striker McLeish made his debut for the Hares on Saturday having left Uxbridge, scoring one and setting up the other in a 2-1 win over Ampthill Town.
Shaw first came across the goal-getter almost a decade ago, when he was winding his own playing days down at Ruislip Manor and McLeish was just starting out there as a raw youngster.
Shaw said: “I heard Aaron had left Uxbridge so called him up, found up he wasn’t up to much and invited him down. He hadn’t been enjoying his football, as playing at a higher level can be a bit demoralising on your personal life. There should be less travelling for him at this level, as well as being less physically demanding, so hopefully he can play with a smile again and score some goals for us.”
Following relegation from the Spartan South Midlands Premier last season, the Hares are just starting to find their feet in Division One and despite their current mid-table standing, Shaw remains confident of a promotion push.
He added: “Our first XI has proved how strong it is, but I’ve barely been able to put the same team out twice.
“It’s not been a case of tinkering, it’s down to availability, and we need to add some strength in depth.
“But I don’t feel there’s much of a gulf between the Premier and Division One. Most teams in the top half could easily step up – the difficulty is finishing in one of the top two places. We’ve got work to do, but my aim is still to be going for promotion.”
Harefield were due a real rest last night at league leaders Risborough Rangers, while Hillingdon Borough, who lost 2-1 at Wodson Park, were due to host Hatfield Town.
In Southern One Central, Uxbridge lost 3-2 at home to Fleet Town, despite goals from Abobaker Eisa and Matty Woods, while Northwood crashed 3-0 at Arlesey Town.
AFC Hayes lost 1-0 at Raynes Park Vale in the Combined Counties Premier, but were looking to bounce back at Bedfont & Feltham last night.