Morecambe v. Leigh RMI preview

By Matt Lawton
August 29 2004

RMI are to join the Bank Holiday getaway this Monday when they, like thousands of holidaymakers, make their way to their seaside. However, they do so with the aim of getting their first three points of the season when they face Lancashire rivals Morecambe at Christie Park in the Conference.

RMI go in to the back of Saturday's disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Halifax Town, and Leigh boss Phil Starbuck is determined to buck the trend and get the Railwaymen back on track, despite his side scoring only one goal so far this season and gaining only one point from their opening four games.

Starbuck has been on the look-out for a new striker as he tries to get his goal-shy forwards in to gear, and is set to give a full debut to local youngster Neil Smith after the striker made a second half appearance as a substitute on Saturday, although he will be looking for better service and support from his midfield than that he received at Hilton Park on Saturday afternoon.

Leigh are still without knee ligament victims Greg Rioch and Gareth Holmes, with Gareth Stoker set to continue in midfield, while Australian goalkeeper Ian Martin will be looking to follow up his man of the match performance in Saturday's defeat as he continues to deputise for long-term thumb injury victim Gary Kelly.

The hosts have only one injury doubt in the form of former RMI defender Iain Swan as he looks to prove his fitness to Shrimps boss Jim Harvey.