THE good ship Leigh RMI sets sail into unchartered waters tomorrow when their Nationwide Conference campaign gets under way against Dagenham and Redbridge at Hilton Park.

And the voyage is already planned to finish outside the bottom three.

It is the highest standard the club has ever played at; a meteoric rise since the move from Horwich in 1995.

Tomorrow's opponents were also promoted last season having won the Ryman League in a canter, although they did experience the Conference five years ago.

RMI boss Steve Waywell could spring a surprise by playing a lone striker in Tony Black, with the expectation that the speedy duo on the flanks, Ian Monk and Steve Jones, will be there to support when needed. An indication that Waywell may well be ultra cautious in the early stages.

That would mean a five-man midfield with former Manchester United star Clayton Blackmore competing with Ged Kielty for a place alongside Ricky Harris and Dave Ridings.

Full back Gary Scott has impressed in recent games and he is sure to get the nod on the right with Jamie Udall and Ian Swan in the centre of defence. Andy Farrell and Dave German will then be challenging for the left back spot.

Waywell's selection headache continues in goal with two quality candidates, although Dave Felgate's experience will probably see him get the first chance.

Dagenham and Redbridge had RMI watched last week when they lifted the Challenge Charity Shield 2-1 against Lancaster City, but Waywell has also done his homework on them as well.

"They play a direct style, getting the ball forward early and supporting the front runners," said Waywell, "and it is just as important for them to get a good start in the Conference as it is for us, so we must be on our guard."

The southern side brought the curtain down on a disappointing pre-season with a 2-2 draw against a West Ham XI on Monday night and they too have gone for experience in the transfer market.

Their manager Gary Hill, who has been rewarded for achieving promotion with a two-year extension to his contract, has brought in former Manchester City player Mark Brennan and ex-QPR star Tony Roberts, both have been playing on the Continent.

Fulham's Rob Haworth has joined on a free, while they are also giving trials to former Colchester and Millwall player, Steve Forbes.

Hill said: "Our first concern is to stay in the Conference while at the same time aim to do well in the cup competitions,"

A course that Steve Waywell will try to steer, even when the seas get rough, which, they no doubt will!