FA Cup round-up
By Matt Lawton
November 12 2003
Leigh RMI may not have featured in the First Round Proper of world famous knock-out competition, the FA Cup, but with former players, coaching staff and future opponents all hitting the headlines, they were certainly well represented.
Former RMI, Doncaster Rovers and Tunisian Under 21 striker Dino Maamria struck two excellent goals for fellow Conference outfit Stevenage Borough as they once again provided a cup shock, adding a 2-1 home defeat of Second Division strugglers Stockport County to their catalogue of giantkillings.
Stevenage famously came face-to-face with Premiership giants Newcastle United a few years ago, with former Peterborough United striker Guiliano Grazioli in the 'Boro side and putting Stevenage ahead in the game.
Grazioli is now at Conference side Barnet and terrorised RMI a few weeks back, scoring a hat trick in a 4-1 victory for the Bees against Leigh at Hilton Park in a game which ultimately spelled the end of Mark Patterson's RMI management career.
Grazioli yesterday faced Unibond Premier League side Stalybridge Celtic at Barnet's Underhill home in the Cup, with a Celtic side featuring former RMI stars Craig Dootson, Andy Heald and Ged Kielty and managed by former RMI assistant boss Dave Miller coming from 2-0 down to grab a shock 2-2 draw at the home of the Conference high-flyers.
RMI's next opponents also hit the headlines, with Conference rivals Scarborough, who visit Hilton Park on Tuesday evening, defeating local rivals and Third Division high flyers Doncaster Rovers 1-0 at Boro's McCain Stadium home.
And finally, RMI's conquerors in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the Cup, Conference rivals Accrington Stanley, defeated Third Division giants Huddersfield Town 1-0 at the Interlink Express Stadium in a game that was screened live on the BBC, with Andy Gouck scoring a superb late goal past Town substitute 'keeper Phil Senior.
So RMI may not have officially featured in the Cup this weekend, but they were certainly well-represented.