Birthday boy Gary MacDonald is using memories of Hayes & Yeading United’s play-off final success in 2009 to help spur him on to great things again this season.

Veteran defender MacDonald returned to United this summer and is only one of two survivors from the Conference South play-off triumph over Hampton & Richmond.

Delroy Preddie, who came out of retirement as emergency cover for red-carded debutant Ferhat Aksoy in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Boreham Wood, was the other.

“The last game I played here before coming back was winning the play-off final so I’ve got great memories of the club,” said MacDonald. “I’d love to be able to do the same as last time and help the club be successful again.

Action man: Hayes & Yeading defender Gary MacDonald challenges for the ball

“Winning promotion here before is what you think of again when you come back. I’ve always wanted to go and win things and there are some good young players here, so hopefully I can help them towards some success.”

MacDonald turns 35 this weekend on his visit to former club Ebbsfleet, with whom he bagged an FA Trophy winner’s medal, and will be hoping for three points as his first present.

Hayes & Yeading will need to be at their best against a side with one of the biggest budgets in the league though, with MacDonald in a holding role just in front of the back four.

“I’ve never played in the position before, I’ve always been at left back previously,” MacDonald said of the role he has taken up on his return to United.

“I started playing there in pre-season at Slough and I played there in a friendly against Hayes & Yeading – obviously the gaffer quite liked it.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying playing in there. I’ve always played behind players who have played in that role, so I know what’s expected.

Ready for war: Hayes & Yeading United enter the field

“I just kind of go in there and spoil it for the opposition and then hand it to players like Matty [Harriott] and the wide boys who can run about.”

Meanwhile, Wealdstone were unable to topple Conference South leaders Basingstoke Town as they were beaten by a gut-wrenching late winner on Saturday.

Boss Gordon Bartlett, who remained upbeat after the Stones’ narrow defeat to the Hampshire club, this week strengthened his squad by signing former Norwich City academy prospect Matt Ball from Farnborough for an undisclosed fee.

Stones have no game this weekend because their scheduled opponents Chelmsford City are in FA Cup fourth round qualifying action against Barnet.