Leigh RMI v. Tamworth preview

By Matt Lawton
September 19 2003

Newly promoted outfit Tamworth make the long trip to Lancashire this weekend to take on RMI in a vital Conference game, with the home side set to field several new signings who will make their home debuts.

Former Bolton Wanderers young striker Chris Downey is set to make his home debut for the first team after an impressive midweek performance in the reserves' emphatic 7-2 victory away to Burscough.

Downey will replace former Stalybridge Celtic striker Marcus Hallows in the squad, after the former Bolton striker completed his move to Unibond Premier division side Chorley earlier this week.

Visitors Tamworth are struggling at the foot of the Conference table, presently second from bottom in their first ever season in the top flight of non-league English football, though RMI will certainly not be taking them lightly, with the 2-1 home defeat against the then-basement side Forest Green Rovers two weeks ago fresh in the memory.

RMI manager Mark Patterson has no new injury worries, with former Burnley defender Gerry Harrison the only player on the sidelines with a long term shoulder injury.

Former Chester City defender Martyn Lancaster and former Blackpool man Wayne Maden will play their final games before both start suspensions after they were both were sent off in last weekend's 2-1 away defeat at Gravesend & Northfleet.

Also set to feature on their home debuts will be recent signings Andy Roscoe and Bury loan signing Martyn Forrest as RMI look to end their recent run of two straight defeats, against Woking and Gravesend respectively.

Visitors Tamworth have been boosted with the addition of loan signing Lee Eyres from Kidderminster Harriers, who provides vital cover for the injured Mark Turner, Tristram Whitman and Paul Powell. Tom Jordan returns after an ankle injury, while Gary Setchell and Dave Robinson are both suspended.