THE match of the season. That's how tonight's game between local rivals Leigh RMI and Radcliffe Boro at Hilton Park is being billed.

Boro are top on goal difference from RMI, both on 81 points, with Lincoln one point behind and all three clubs have home games on Saturday.

So a win tonight would guarantee promotion for either club and if it was Radcliffe almost certainly the championship.

But even the losing side will still be favourites to finish ahead of Lincoln and move up into the Premiership.

"We have approached all the games the same and this won't be any different," said RMI manager Steve Waywell. "It is just another three points at stake and there will be no talk of championships or promotion in our dressing room."

The Leigh boss will again look to the fans, who over the last dozen matches have given his side incredible support. "The players have shown during our unbeaten run how vital that backing is and they have responded to it. Radcliffe will bring plenty of fans so the atmosphere should be electric," added Waywell.

Radcliffe have led the table since early November, apart form a few days when Leigh took over during March, and although they lost to a late goal at Lincoln on Saturday, Manager kevin Glendon is still upbeat.

"But for that late goal, both Leigh and ourselves would have been promoted now, but even so it was our best display for a while and the whole club is looking forward to tonight's match."

"If there is a loser tonight, they will still have a safety net with Saturday's game giving them another bite of the cherry, and although Leigh have done well recently we won't be changing our tactics and will be going all out for the win." said Glendon.

The Stainton Park boss will almost certainly have a full strength squad to choose from with only Simon Whittle, who missed the defeat at Lincoln still doubtful with an ankle injury.

The Railwaymen will be boosted by the return of full back Lee Anderson from Doncaster, although skipper Mark Schofield is still struggling with a shoulder injury. As well as Anderson, Tony Briffa and Mick Charlton are being added to the 14 that won at Workington last Saturday a victory that clinched joint top spot.

"Radcliffe looked to have the championship in their pockets a few weeks ago but we went there and got the points that blew the title race wide open, but that result won't have any significance tonight although they will be out for revenge," added Waywell.

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