Leigh RMI v. Woking preview

By Matt Lawton
August 29 2003

Woking make the long trip north to Lancashire tomorrow to face an RMI side that is on the crest of a wave following Monday's morale boosting away victory against Northwich Victoria.

RMI boss Mark Patterson will be hoping that striker David McNiven will continue his hot streak of goalscoring, with Monday's victory being the only League game to date that McNiven didn't hit the net, with Wayne Maden instead being the somewhat suprising goalscoring hero. Patterson publicly praised McNiven in midweek and will be hoping that it has further boosted the confidence of the former Hamilton Academicals striker and spur him on to further goalscoring exploits, with McNiven currently joint top scorer in the whole Conference. McNiven seems to be the first consistent goalscorer on RMI's books since the transfer of Northern Irish international Steve Jones to First Division outfit Crewe Alexandra two years ago, although Tunisian striker Dino Maamria did fill the gap for a short period.

Patterson will be without former Burnley man Gerry Harrison after the defender-cum-midfielder suffered a shoulder injury and may be sidelined for up to three weeks.

Gerry Harrison

Although RMI will be confident of their chances after an excellent performance on Monday afternoon, Patterson is apprehensive of the threat posed by the Cards, now a full time outfit.

The injury to Harrison is RMI's only injury worry and they will be looking to push further up the table as they aim to get points on the board early on, to achieve the primary aim of Conference safety.

The visitors may recall Gary MacDonald after he recovered from an ankle injury, with Jamie Campbell joining him in the squad after his recovery from a groin injury, as Woking chase their first ever win at Hilton Park.

On-loan striker Jefferson Louis is hoping to be allowed to travel with the visiting side, although his appearance may be in doubt as he was due to appear in court on Friday afternoon in relation to driving charges.