Leigh RMI v. Hednesford Town preview

By Matt Lawton
September 16 2005

Hednesford Town make the trip to Hilton Park from the Midlands on Saturday afternoon, with RMI looking to get back on track after failing to win in their past two games.

It’s the first meeting of the sides at Hilton Park since an early September evening in the 2000/2001 season that saw the sides play out a thrilling 2-2 draw in what was only the third Conference game to be played at Hilton Park, with Steve Jones scoring two fantastic goals from almost identical positions on Leigh’s right flank, cutting inside on to his left foot and curling the ball in to the top corner of the net on both occasions.

That season saw RMI finish a highly-credible fifth in their inaugural season in non-league’s top flight, while Hednesford were relegated at the end of that season and have since never regained their place in the Conference.

Times chance, and the two sides find themselves in the same division, with RMI having a fairly decent home record so far, while Hednesford suffered a 4-1 hammering at home to Northwich Victoria in their last outing, though they have a rather indifferent record away from home so far, with a loss, draw and victory from their opening three games on the road.

RMI boss Andy Nelson will be looking for his side to improve their defensive play after conceding four goals at Vauxhall Motors last weekend, including one for much-maligned former RMI striker Peter Cumiskey, although he will be more than happy with his attack finally hitting form with four goals in last weekend’s aforementioned 4-4 draw.

After a terrific atmosphere in RMI’s last home outing that spurred the team on to a 1-0 victory over Hinckley United, more of the same is hoped for as Leigh look to make Hilton Park a fortress again, come on Leythers!