Blues get their man as Ross is back on board
LEEK Town’s patience paid off after securing the signing of former Port Vale midfielder Ross Davidson.
Davidson, pictured right, made a return to Harrison Park last week from Northern Premier League West Division rivals Trafford – and played a starring role in Blues’ 5-0 home victory over Clitheroe.
It marks the start of a second spell at Leek for the 32-yearold, who previously served the club in the 2012 campaign.
Davidson subsequently had spells at New Mills, Nantwich Town, Witton Albion and Kidsgrove Athletic and eventually landed at Trafford.
His career had started as a youngster at Port Vale, progressing through the academy, before making 26 first-team appearances ahead of his release.
“It was a second debut for Ross,” said Leek town chairman Jon Eeles. “He had a spell with us before under Lee Casswell a few years ago.
“He has been a long-term target for us. We tried to get him in the summer, but there was a bit of uncertainty about covid and he wanted to give things a go with Trafford.
“We’re really pleased to finally get him in. We’ve played against him a few times over the years and he’s got better.
“We’ve certainly not taken a chance on him because he’s done it before at this level and is very well respected.
“He didn’t look out of place at all. He knows we’re a passing team and Neil (Baker) likes us to pass sideways and start again if nothing is on.
“But it wasn’t just about Ross on Saturday, it was a fantastic team performance.”
Leek made it 16 goals in four matches with their demolition of play-off rivals Clitheroe.
The victory sees Leek in fourth place, just seven points off leaders Workington.
Leek’s cause at the weekend was helped, though, by the fact Clitheroe had two men sent off.
“I was delighted with the win. I have got the utmost respect for Clitheroe, but they did press the self-destruct button on Saturday,” added Eeles.
“But everyone was on it from our perspective.
“I thought a few weeks ago that top spot might be beyond us, but now you never know, especially with the way we are playing at the moment.”
Leek are still looking to strengthen their squad, although there has been some positive news on the injury front.
Amar Dyer has returned to training after injury, while Marc Grocott is making progress in his recovery mission
Lewis Brownhill, though, could well be out until March.
“Neil has been speaking to Stoke City about a loan, but it’s difficult in the current climate,” explained Eeles.
“If we can keep people fit and Grocott comes back, we should be ok, but you always have to look to keep improving.”
Leek continue their run of home games with a fixture against Widnes this weekend.
Widnes are in the lower reaches of the table, but Eeles isn’t expecting an easy ride.
But with confidence flowing, Leek are on the right track to at least maintain their quest for a play-off spot.
“Widnes will be tough. We only just managed to beat them at their place,” said Eeles.
“We’re clicking into gear. We took one point from two games at Buxton while we were waiting for the pitch to be finished.
“Then we had back-to-back home draws at Harrison Park with Prescot Cables and Newcastle.
“We were playing ok then, but just weren’t clinical. That’s changed now and we’re *putting our chances away.”