Leigh RMI v. Northwich Victoria preview

Northwich Vics
By Matt Lawton
April 11 2004

Easter Monday sees Cheshire outfit Northwich Victoria, already relegated at the foot of the Nationwide Conference table, visit Hilton Park to face Leigh RMI in a game that could confirm RMI's relegation.

Mathmatically, RMI can still stay up despite the Good Friday 2-1 defeat at relegation rivals Halifax Town, but it is unlikely, and after four years in the Conference, RMI's relegation will be confirmed if they fail to take anything from their encounter with the Vics, even in the event that circumstances mean only two sides will be relegated from the Conference.

RMI midfielder Paul Shepherd could return to the side after recovering from a thigh strain, but veteran former Bury and Manchester City star Steve Redmond is set to miss out again because of a groin injury.

RMI manager Phil Starbuck looks likely to encourage his set to attack from the outset as they look to pull off an unlikely relegation escape, and he could be set to name up to three strikers in his starting line-up, with Mario Daniel, who scored in the 2-1 defeat at Halifax on Friday, set to join top scorer David McNiven and Damian Whitehead up front.

The last time the sides met was close to the start of the season on the August Bank Holiday when a Wayne Maden winner gave the Railwaymen their second victory of the season after five games following the shock opening day home victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.

The visitors are likely to be without former RMI striker Chris Ward but Chris Thompson could return to the starting line up after a string of injury problems, while Peter Wright and Gregor Rioch, son of former Bolton manager Bruce, both miss out because of suspension.

Although it is possible that RMI could stay up, it's likely that both sides will be playing for pride, and this could be relefcted in what is expected to possibly be RMI's lowest ever Nationwide Conference crowd, despite the close geographical proximity of their opponents.