By Matt Lawton
August 28 2003

Leigh RMI manager Mark Patterson has expressed his delight at the superb start to the RMI career of former Hamilton Academicals striker David McNiven, who signed for the Railwaymen during the pre-season break. Summer signing McNiven, who has struck all but one of RMI's goals this season, including a double strike on his debut in the 2-1 home victory over promotion hopefuls Dagenham & Redbridge, has pleased Patterson no end with his goalscoring exploits, though Patterson does believe there is room for improvement in McNiven's game.

Although Patterson acknowledges that McNiven's goalscoring exploits could prove to be a massive help during the inevitable relegation fight this season, he believes that five-goal McNiven could be even better if he improved his work off the ball and around the edge of the box.

Similarly, Patterson is impressed by another striker signed in the summer, youngster Neil Robinson who has signed on loan from Third Division outfit Macclesfield Town for the whole season. Robinson has provided the assist for no less than two thirds of McNiven's goals this season, which has impressed Patterson hugely. However, in direct contrast to his feelings on McNiven's play, Patterson feels Robinson should be scoring more goals and spending more time in the opposition penalty area.

Either way, the McNiven and Robinson strikeforce has all the hallmarks of a great partnership, and that added to the likes of Marcus Hallows also pushing for a place up front, the RMI striking prospects are a lot brighter than in previous years.