Keiron St Aimie ready to net against Grimsby
AFC Telford United's top scorer Kieron St Aimie is set to return to the squad for tomorrow’s visit of Grimsby Town.
And the five-goal hot shot, who joined the Bucks during the summer, is aiming to pick up where he left off by getting straight back on the goal trail.
St Aimie served the last of a three-game ban following a red card, picked up against Newport last month, in Tuesday’s victory at Dartford.
The forward, who began his career at Queens Park Rangers, had opened the scoring against Newport before being dismissed following an altercation with Danny Crow in front of the visiting dug-out.
With five goals in 11 games overall, St Aimie has made a promising start to his career at Telford and he has pledged to get back on the goal hunt as soon as possible.
“I just want to get out there and I hope I can get a goal straight away,” he said. “I like scoring and I want to pick up where I left off.
“I have been ticking over but you can do as much running as you want, it’s always going to be different when you get into a game.
“I am just going to go out there and do my best. My main goal is to benefit the team and get three points, that’s what it’s all about.”
Bucks chief Andy Sinton has admitted the return of his leading marksman will be a big benefit to the team and he expects St Aimie to go straight back into the squad for the visit of the Mariners.
But he said the striker has competition for a starting place following impressive performances from four-goal striker Steve Jones as well as James Spray in recent weeks.
Jones scored a stunning first-half brace in the team’s 4-1 win at Dartford and Spray’s tireless performance in midweek also earned him praise.
Sinton admitted he will have a pleasant selection headache when choosing his forward line this weekend.
“That’s a big plus,” said Sinton about St Aimie’s return to the side. “Kieron was at the Dartford game and I just said – laughing and joking – it might be nice if I can leave my top scorer out ,but I would have thought he will be back in the 16 tomorrow.
“I have got a headache because of Kieron to come back, Steve Jones, Jamie Spray has done well against Dartford, he worked his socks off for the team.”
Injuries and suspensions are still causing problems for Sinton though. Jake Reid (hamstring), Chris Blackburn, Michael Briscoe (both back) and Jay Smith (abductor) all still either injured or working their way back from injuries.
Dan Preston will serve the last of his four-game suspension tomorrow while Ryan Valentine (injured back followed by cold) and Darren Byfield (hamstring) remain possible participants.
Grimsby have fewer injury problems as managers Rob Scott and Paul Hurst have declared the vast majority of their squad fit for the trip to Shropshire.
But the Mariners suffered a blow yesterday when both Shaun Pearson and Ross Hannah sustained knocks in training.
Pearson’s knock is also believed to have scuppered a potential loan move for defender Simon Ford.
But striker Greg Pearson is set to be re-introduced into the squad after his recent injury lay-off.
The Mariners had been on a 10-game unbeaten run prior to last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Dartford.
But they got back on track with a 2-0 win at Alfreton on Tuesday and remain firmly in the play-off hunt.