Leigh RMI v. Morecambe preview

By Matt Lawton
January 23 2004

Conference high flyers Morecambe make the short trip to Hilton Park on Saturday afternoon to face RMI in a Lancashire derby that is hugely vital for both sides in completely opposite ways.

While the visitings Shrimpers are looking to push themselves further in to the promotion pictures, RMI are desperate just to hang on to the coat-tails of relegation rivals Farnborough Town, but even if RMI did catch up with Farnborough, they would still be a victory away from clawing themselves out of the relegation zone.

RMI boss Phil Starbuck is boosted by the return of England Semi-Pro international centre back Neil Durkin, who is set to partner Martyn Lancaster in RMI's back line. However, Starbuck is set to be without former Blackpool star Wayne Maden, who's excellent performances have been one of the bright spots of a dismal season, with the defender-cum-midfielder suffering a hamstring injury in addition to the broken nose which he suffered in the 6-2 defeat against Chester on New Years' Day.

Former Exeter City left wing back Andy Roscoe is missing with a broken toe, meaning Starbuck has a selection dilemma on his hands, not helped by a thigh injury to Warren Peyton who could've stepped in for Roscoe.

With recent signing Carl Alford failing to impress and seemingly overweight, RMI will be struggling for goals with top scorer David McNiven missing while he serves a one-match suspension, with Kris McHale or Damian Whitehead ready to step in to the boots of the former Hamilton Academicals and York City star.

Former RMI defender Iain Swan won't be returning to face his former club as he is about to undergo surgery in an attempt to cure a persistent groin injury. Morecambe manager Jim Harvey is also set to be without Michael Stringfellow who has a groin injury, while both Daniel Carlton and Gary Thompson are suspended.

The odds are wildly stacked against RMI, but on the day when Conference rivals Scarborough take on Premiership billionaires Chelsea in the FA Cup, this Saturday is, of all days, the day when truly anything can happen.