Leigh Genesis vs. Garforth Town preview

Following the extraordinary news that iconic former England star Paul Gascoigne is being lined up as the manager of Evo-Stik League Division One North side Garforth Town, the first game to be encountered by the world-famous Geordie could be an away trip to Crilly Park to take on Leigh Genesis.

Although Gascoigne’s protracted appointment has yet to be confirmed, discussions are ongoing with Garforth owner Simon Clifford and, should they reach a satisfactory conclusion, the man who played for a whole host of clubs including Lazio, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle United could be lining up in the Crilly Park dugout on Saturday afternoon when Leigh welcome Garforth for an FA Trophy Preliminary Round tie.

Gascoigne has led a chequered life since retiring from playing, and has even managed in the same league as Leigh, albeit for only thirty nine days in a short-lived spell with Kettering Town in December 2005, at the time in the same league as Leigh.

The two sides have already met this season, with a John Lawless goal enough to secure a 1-0 Leigh victory at Crilly Park earlier this month, and Saturday’s tie is set to present an intriguing encounter, with or without the introduction of the man universally-known as Gazza.

Leigh boss Mark Maddox is boosted by the return of exciting winger Paul Hopkins after he served a two match ban following his sending off in the 4-3 FA Cup win at Rossendale last month, though player/coach Andy Heald misses the game because of a one match ban picked up following his red card in the loss at Witton Albion a fortnight ago.

Kick off at Crilly Park on Saturday is at 3pm, with admission costing £7 for adults, £5 for over 65’s/students and just £2 for under 18’s.