Tamworth v. Leigh RMI preview

By Matt Lawton
February 6 2004

RMI make the trip to Staffordshire tomorrow to face fellow strugglers Tamworth in what is sure to be a mammoth tie between these two relegation rivals, with the winners being able to pull themselves slightly further away from the threat of the dreaded drop from the Nationwide Conference.

RMI boss Phil Starbuck is boosted by the availability of a virtually full-strength side to choose from, with only one injury concern and buoyed by the returning Wayne Maden, who is back in to the first team fray after completing the full 90 minutes in Tuesday's disappointing 4-1 defeat at Chorley in the Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy.

Only former Oldham Athletic and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gary Kelly is sidelined, as he is still recovering from the broken thumb he suffered in the 5-0 defeat at Chester on Boxing Day, but he is nearing full fitness and will be looking to challenge Ian Martin for the RMI number one shirt.

RMI go in to the game four points behind the Lambs, and victory is vital if RMI are again going to pull of yet another "great escape". However, Tamworth showed in their visit to Hilton Park earlier in the season that they certainly won't be any pushovers, and the home side have been boosted by a loan signing to add to their ranks.

Oxford United striker Jamie Brooks has been signed on a month's loan and the 20 year old is expected to go straight in to the Tamworth line-up.