St Ives Town manager Ricky Marheineke plans to give his midfield a ‘physical presence’ by signing a new player ahead of the Southern League transfer deadline.

The Saints chief is closing in on the capture of Lewis Leslie from AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

Leslie was part of the Diamonds team beaten by Saints in the Southern League Division One (Central) play-off final of 2015/16.

Marheineke said: “We have lots of energetic and technical players in midfield, but we lack a physical presence and leadership.

“Lewis fits the bill perfectly and it will be terrific to get him on board. I’ve no doubt he is ready to step up to our level.

“I’ve known about him since my days managing Huntingdon in the United Counties League and he also impressed me in the play-off final a couple of years ago.”

The capture of Leslie won’t be completed in time for Saints’ home Premier Division clash against Slough Town at ProEdge Westwood Road tonight.

It is only the club’s third home game of 2018 in the league following a series of postponements.

Two other local teams are also in action tonight. Godmanchester Rovers face a long trek to Gorleston in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division while holders Eynesbury Rovers travel to United Counties League Premier Division rivals Yaxley in a Hunts Senior Cup semi-final.

That match has been switched to Yaxley’s 3G surface at In2itive Park after twice being postponed at Hall Road in recent weeks.