Cambridge City v. Leigh RMI preview

By Matt Lawton
November 12 2004

Leigh RMI travel down to the world-famous University city of Cambridge tomorrow afternoon as they continue on the road to Cardiff, taking part in the FA Cup First Round proper for the first time in more than three years when they face Cambridge City.

Leigh make their first trip for more than three years on to the 'Proper' road to the FA Cup final, their last excursion in to the First Round being a 3-0 defeat at then-Second Division Millwall, who have since gone all the way to the final of the competition, in a game that was controversially switched from Hilton Park to the New Den because of the outrageous policing costs that Greater Manchester Police felt that the game would require. The only time previous to that that Leigh Railway Mechanics Institute Football Club have made it past for the 4th Qualifying Round when the then-Unibond League side grabbed an unlikely 1-1 draw at moneybags Fulham, who were at that point managed by former England star Kevin Keegan on their way to the Premiership, with the game being decided in a replay in front of Sky TV and RMI's record attendance.

The game means a return to Cambridge for the first time for RMI player-boss Phil Starbuck, who has previously worked as City boss and is set for a lukewarm reception from the local faithful.

He is likely to have to be without former Derby County midfielder Gareth Holmes who is still several weeks away from full fitness, although Gareth Stoker is set to return after missing last weekend's disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Tamworth through injury. After last week looking to build on their shock victory over Accrington in the previous round of the Cup, Leigh fell to a 3-2 defeat thanks to a hat trick from former Bolton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion goalscoring hero Bob Taylor, despite the Railwaymen holding a 2-0 half time lead at Hilton Park. The £10,000 prize money that came in to the club's coffers was a most welcome windfall for the cash-strapped Leythers, and they will be looking to grasp their chance to earn some more money through victory tomorrow afternoon, although the Conference South outfit will be looking to victory for similar reasons, with money always being tight below the professional leagues.

Home manager Gary Roberts will be without striking duo Jon Stevenson and David Sadler because of hamstring problems, with Roberts deciding not to risk them through fear of causing more longer-term damage.