Meadhaven United's Leighton Neita (left) and Rohan Williams celebrate, after Neita had scored the lone goal to hand Meadhaven United a 1-0 victory over St Georges in Digicel Premier League action at the Constant Spring Football Field earlier this season. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

His diminutive figure is all but lost on the football field. But his expert skills and prowess dominate throughout any given match-up.

Leighton Dwayne Neita has demonstrated a renewed awareness in the sport and has been a leading figure for Digicel Premier League team Meadhaven United.

The club is in its debut season of top flight football and though it has not been easy, Neita has been making his contribution to keep them third from bottom in the 12-team championship on 26 points, two ahead of Reno and four clear of cellar team Village United. Defending champions Portmore United lead, on 60.

Neita has scored six goals for his team in the Premier League season, one behind his teammate, midfielder Keammar Daley.

Skills

Neita began his sojourn at Meadhaven under the tutelage of now-deceased coach, David 'Wagga' Hunt. Prior to that, he honed his skills on the streets of Waterhouse, before representing Waterhouse Football Club.

Playing football was a dream come true when he donned the colours of Drewsland Primary, in the primary schools league.

The 26-year-old was successful in his feat and decided that football was really something he wanted to continue.

"The school is located in the same area as my home, so it was easy for me to participate and become involved in football," Neita said.

The striker later moved on to Norman Manley High School in 1995, tried out for the under-14 team and was again successful.

However, his stint at schoolboy football was short-lived and lasted for only one season.

Neita went on to play for the Waterhouse under-14 team and represented the side at under-16, under-20 and under-21 levels, as well as in the Premier League, where his playing time was limited.

Scoring goals

"When I passed under-21 at Waterhouse, they said I couldn't make it so I started playing for another team," Neita said.

Following his departure from Waterhouse, Neita laced up his boots for Santos but stated he wasn't getting enough playing time as well.

Current teammate Andre Hickling, he said, introduced him to Meadhaven and the rest is history.

"David Hunt said he liked how I played and I was drafted onto the team," he said.

Neita played two and half seasons before Meadhaven reached the Premier League. He was pivotal in scoring goals that enabled the team to advance.

"I really liked football so I just stick to it. I see myself playing for Jamaica and trying to get an overseas contract to play for one of the big clubs like Manchester United," Neita concluded.