LEIGH RMI's hopes of staying in the Conference even if they finish the season in the bottom three have been dashed after the FA refused to sanction an extension of the league to 24 teams.

It had been hoped that, with Kettering Town already relegated, no further teams would plunge into the pyramid system with the addition of two teams for the 2003/2004 season.

But the national governing body decided to turn down the proposals after endless discussions with the feeder leagues.

That means a nervous final eight days of the season to fans, players and management of not only Leigh, but Nuneaton, Woking, Gravesend and Southport too.

Manager Mark Patterson believes that a combination of elements could help lead his RMI side away from the drop zone -- starting on Saturday at Edgar Street.

Opponents Hereford United no longer have anything to play for, after their absence from the play-offs was confirmed last weekend, and that could give Leigh the upper hand at a time when they need it most.

"They might ease off now but we've got to give it everything,"stressed Patterson, who won his first trophy as manager of the club in Wednesday's Lancashire Marsden Trophy final.

"In past rounds of the cup, we have gone straight into a league game and done very well so hopefully the same will happen at the weekend.

"I understand that we have a good record at Hereford as well so maybe all the plusses can work in our favour."

For RMI, each of the last three matches are cup finals though and, given their defensive solidarity of late, it's disappointing to have to break a successful formula.

But Martyn Lancaster's provoked outburst at Stevenage a fortnight ago means that he can only sit, watch and hope through the survival treble-header, leaving Neil Fitzhenry to play on despite a hernia problem.

Question marks surround the fitness of ex-Leeds midfielder Mark Ford, who missed the midweek success with a back strain.