McLeish focused on hitting the goal trail
Jeanfield Swifts striker Chris McLeish hopes he’s on the goal trail after netting against Musselburgh Athletic.
The former Elgin frontman endured a frustrating start to the season after picking up an achilles injury but is now ready to fire on all cylinders.
McLeish is feeling confident in front of goal ahead of this weekend’s East of Scotland League Premier Division trip to Dunbar United.
Swifts are aiming to continue their climb up the standings with initial targets set on pushing into the top half in the coming weeks.
“I thought we were decent against Musselburgh, played some very good football at times and totally deserved to win the game,”McLeish said.
“It could have been a few more goals but I’m always delighted to get on the scoresheet. More importantly, though, is to get the three points.
“I’d like to hope this can be the start of a scoring spree. We’ve got good, creative players in the squad so hopefully I get more chances and manage to put them away.
“The achilles injury I had is more or less healed now. I still feel it now and again but I have been getting on fine.”
McLeish knows little about opponents Dunbar but said:“The gaffer will have us prepared so hopefully we will be celebrating another win on the road.”
Swifts warmed up for this weekend by taking on Kelty Hearts at New Central Park on Tuesday evening.
The Perth side had the majority of the play with midfielder Gary Fergus netting the goal in a 1-1 draw.
“It was good to get a run against a very talented Kelty side and it gave us the opportunity to get a few players 90 minutes and keep the momentum and match sharpness up,”Swifts boss Ross Gunnion said.
“At this time of the season getting a good surface to play on is invaluable and when the opportunity arose it was gratefully accepted.
“We’ve developed a good relationship with Kelty over the past year or so and hopefully we can have a few more friendlies in the coming months to benefit both teams.”
East of Scotland League action continues for Kinnoull with an inter-conference away match against Preston Athletic.
Pat Brown, Dale Smart, Gordon Norrie, Liam Woolley, Tijan Nyass, Benn Blyth and Ben English are all expected to return for the Perth side.
“We’re looking a lot healthier squad-wise this week,”manager Alan Cameron said.
“Preston, like all sides at this level, will cause us problems. But after a good week at training the boys are confident.
“Hopefully we can cause them a few problems and pick up something.”