EVERY cloud has a silver lining. But the emergence of Marcus Hallows and Michael Twiss as a potent strike force can not have come at a better time for Leigh RMI manager Steve Waywell.

With regular strikers Tony Black and Dino Maamria likely to be laid up with injury for three weeks, Waywell turned to the Hallows/Twiss combination for last Tuesday's home game against Chester.

And how the duo came up trumps. Twiss, recently signed from Port Vale, scored two wonderful goals and ex-Wanderer Hallows netted a third in a resounding 3-0 win.

Even Waywell was surprised. "In adversity you sometimes try things that you wouldn't normally try, and the injuries has given Michael and Marcus their opportunities," he says. "Michael's been training with us for three weeks now, although he spent a week on trial at Bury. But they decided not to offer him a contract.

"Against Chester he did very well. He's built like a man-mountain and he has a good turn of pace. When I've seen him in our reserves he scores every time he plays. He is quick over a short distance and he looks a player."

Another newcomer to RMI's ranks recently has been Craig Skinner who was released by York City at the end of last season. Skinner, a 31 year old midfielder has joined for a months trial.

Missing from Leigh's line-up against Farnborough today is central defender Dave German who has family commitments. He will next be available for the home match against Hereford on October 5.