Ashton United vs. Leigh Genesis preview
By Matt Lawton
December 5 2008
Should the weather be on their side, Leigh Genesis will have their first outing in three weeks when they make the trip to Hurst Cross to face Ashton United in the Third Round of the UniBond League Challenge Cup tomorrow afternoon (Saturday 6th December).
With the recent cold and wet weather putting paid to Leigh's repeated attempts to play Atherton Collieries in the Lancashire FA Trophy, Lee Merricks' side haven't played a game since drawing 2-2 at Whitby Town on 15th November.
Opponents Ashton, meanwhile, have been in good form, with successive 2-1 victories away to North Ferriby United and Buxton lifting Ashton in to fourth position in the UniBond Premier League ahead of Saturday's cup encounter.
Young striker Richard Chetcuti may be in line to make his first Genesis appearance in several months after recently returning to the Leigh reserve side as he continues to battle back from injury, while recent signings Ross Thaker and Danny Andrew are in line to make their Leigh debuts.
Chetcuti was on the scoresheet when the sides last met in August, with further strikes from now-departed Darren Mansaram and Brad Maylett securing a comprehensive 3-0 Leigh win at Victory Park.
It is the second time this season that Leigh have visited Hurst Cross, with Merricks' first game in charge coming as Ashton provided the 'home' ground for Leigh's 3-0 defeat to North Ferriby United in early November.
Kick off at Hurst Cross is at 3pm, with the winners of the tie earning an away trip to Guiseley in the Fourth Round in January 2009.