Leigh RMI v. Harrogate Town preview

By Matt Lawton
December 24 2005

RMI's first outing since losing at Northwich sees Harrogate make the fairly lengthy trip across the Pennines on Boxing Day...so much for having local derbies over the festive period!

After Stockport County loanee Chris Williams made his debut, along with Martyn Lancaster making his RMI return after an absence of several years, in the 1-0 defeat at FA Cup heroes Northwich on December 10th, RMI boss Andy Nelson has called in several reinforcements that will see a few new faces in the starting line up on Monday.

Ex-Blackburn Rovers midfielder Mike Harris has joined the club, while loan deals have been agreed for striker Shaun Patterson and defender Michael Murray with Blackpool and Rochdale respectively.

RMI last got league points when they came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at Hyde in November, with their last league victory at Hilton Park coming as far back as the end of August when Hinckley were defeated 1-0.

With visiting Harrogate flying high in the league, the host of new signings could prove a timely boost as RMI look to chalk up a few points before the New Year in their bid to avoid a second successive relegation, with a home game against Hucknall coming up on Friday before the return visit to Harrogate.