HUGELY impressive Accrington professional Ashar Zaidi has been rewarded for his excellent start to life in the Lancashire League with a contract for next season.

The Pakistani has blazed a trail to the top of the averages in the first half of his debit season and until Lowerhouse stole a march by managing to squeeze in a win over Enfield on Saturday as Accrington were left kicking their soggy heels, Jimmy Hayhurst’s men sat joint top of the table.

In his 12 games Zaidi has hit 680 runs at a more than healthy 75.55, including a scintillating 174 not out as Accrington ran up a league record score at Rawtenstall in May.

He has also collected 36 wickets and Accrington president and former England Test star and coach David Lloyd is a big fan.

“I like Ashar,” he said. “He is a good ‘un and scores good runs and hopefully he can help us towards the league.

“He hits it hard and I like him a lot.”

The signing delighted skipper Hayhurst, who is glad to see Zaidi confirm his return for 2012.

“We had to get it sorted out so early because other clubs were sniffing around and we had competition to get his signature,” he said. “Ash has been superb so far and we hope it continues.”