Cutting through defences

The 32-year-old joiner from Gilmerton has been the scourge of the East of Scotland League since 2002 and SFL sides Alloa and Arbroath were both bundled out of the Scottish Cup thanks to his predatory instincts.

His goal against Edinburgh University at Ainslie Park took him to the magic 200 mark in this his ninth season with the Ainslie Park outfit, to cement his position as the club's leading goalscorer.

Eight years ago McLeod joined a highly-successful Spartans team that included other prolific goalscorers in the shape of Phil Hobbins and Craig Manson.

"When I joined Spartans I thought that it would be a challenge for me to muscle out Phil or Craig but in fact we played with three up front," he reflected.

"I remember being played wide on the left and being asked to cut inside. I find it sad to say but I saw myself more as a creator of goals rather than a goalscorer. Even to this day I don't think of myself as a striker. I managed 15 goals in my first season."

McLeod felt a bit like a fish out of water when he turned up for his first training session at Peffermill in July 2002. "I was surrounded by all of these students and I felt a bit of an outcast for a few minutes until David Tough introduced himself and we blethered away," said McLeod. "David helped me settle in and we have remained friends ever since."

One of McLeod's favourite goals was the equaliser against Arbroath in the Scottish Cup back in January 2004 when Spartans annihilated them 4-1 on their own territory in a result which made headlines around the country. "Arbroath were a top side and were beating us 1-0 in horrendous conditions at Gayfield," he explained. "I received a pass on the edge of the penalty box and with my back to goal. I just turned, got a perfect connection, and the ball shot low into the net. It was the goal which got us back into the match and we went on to win.

"On a personal note my particular favourite performance was last season against Selkirk when I scored five goals in a 20-minute spell, two with my left foot, two with my right and a header."

McLeod admitted that he has been heavily influenced by his father, Ian, who played for Bonnyrigg Rose, Linlithgow Rose and Berwick Rangers. "My dad has had a big influence because as a boy I used to go and watch him in front of big crowds and I knew then that I wanted to play football. I remember him being a very good player but not a goalscorer. He watches me now and always talks to me about every game."

Now that McLeod has scored his record-breaking 200th goal what does the future hold? "This is my ninth season so I definitely want to play ten seasons at least and my target is now 250 goals," said McLeod.

"However, I'm suffering from osteitis pubis which gives me incredible pain in my groin.

"I'm permanently injured so every game is a bonus and I'll just carry on and see how long my body can keep going."