LEIGH RMI boss Steve Waywell would much rather have the three points on offer against Doncaster tomorrow (ko 1pm) than beat Second Division opponents Millwall two weeks later in the FA Cup.
Waywell is delighted with the start his side have made to their first season in the Conference, but says his side cannot afford any complacency.
"We have a long way to go and many more big games," he admitted. "I look on the Doncaster game as more important than Millwall in the FA Cup. I would rather have the three points against Doncaster than a win against Millwall. It is great being in the Cup but our main priority is to stay in the Conference and to do that we must keep performing.
"We have gone nine games unbeaten and played a lot of good sides. But that is gone and is behind us. We must perform on the day. We have been fortunate with injuries which has been a big plus as we have not many players to come in."
Leigh will, however, be without Jamie Udall for tomorrow's game after he damaged knee ligaments at Scarborough.
The centre-half, who has played a major role in RMI's remarkable run, hopes to recover for the Millwall clash in two weeks time.
Waywell expressed his concern at the loss of a key player saying: "He has been outstanding at the back. We brought him from Lancaster in the summer where he had spent the past couple of seasons. I like his pace, he is very strong and good in the air and is never on his backside.
"The injury is not as bad as was first thought and he is a quick healer and we have targeted Millwall for his return."
Waywell looks like giving sweeper Neil Durkin his first start of the season.
The former Darwen player has come off the bench four times in the league this season but should get the nod as Waywell wants to retain his three at the back system.
"It is a gamble but the system has worked well for us and it is silly to change it around because we have lost one player," said Waywell. "He has not been tested at this level but it no use having him on our books if we are not prepared to use him."
New signing Robert Trees from Bristol Rovers, who has more than 50 league games under his belt, will be the other change to the side that last week beat Scarborough 4-3 to set up a money-spinning tie with Millwall. He replaces Neil Critchley who drops down to the bench despite an impressive display.
A final decision on the date and venue of Leigh RMI's FA Cup 1st round clash with Millwall has not yet been made.
The game was initially earmarked for Sunday November 19 at the request of Greater Manchester Police, but although the club have not announced why there is a delay it could be because Leigh officials have asked permission from the FA to switch the game to The New Den.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article