Leigh RMI vs. Hyde United preview

By Matt Lawton
November 28 2006

After Saturday afternoon’s victory over Cammell Laird saw RMI progress to the First Round of the FA Trophy, they’re back in league action this Friday evening when Hyde United make the short trip to Hilton Park.

A terrific goalkeeping performance from John Lamb spared the blushes of ten-man RMI with the victory over Unibond League First Division outfit Lairds, who masterminded a second half onslaught on the RMI goal after Leigh right back Tony Filper was given his marching orders for a deliberate handball.

Steve Settle’s second goal in two games, after a terrific passing move, was enough to secure RMI’s passage in to the next round and an away tie with Conference North rivals Harrogate Town, while Hyde have to wait until this evening (Tuesday) to discover their fate when they travel to Chasetown in a game that was postponed from it’s original date on Saturday afternoon.

RMI boss Stuart Humphreys is likely to have a virtual full-strength side to choose from, with recent signing Mark Jackson likely to again partner Chris Simm up front, while Gavin Lee-Ellison will be looking to return to the side after suspension, although he will have a challenge to displace Steve Brockley from the centre of defence, who was particularly impressive on his first appearance for several weeks last Saturday.

There are plenty of links between the sides, none more so than Hyde’s manager, who happens to be Steve Waywell, arguably RMI’s most successful manager, having led the club to FA Cup glory and the fringes of the Football League having been in the Unibond First Division only a few years previously.

While RMI’s ex-Bury defender Lee Unsworth spent a period at Ewen Fields earlier this season, Hyde boast no less than four ex-RMI players in the shape of goalkeeper Craig Dootson, former skipper Gerry Harrison, midfielder Paul Howarth and cult defender Dave German.

With the season, and the annual relegation battle, well underway, an increase in vocal support will no doubt be welcomed by the Leigh team, and what better time to start than at 7:45pm at Hilton Park on Friday night.