Tough cup challenge for in-form RMI ONE of the most consistent teams in Non League football over the last decade visit Hilton Park tomorrow when LEIGH RMI entertain Marine in the FA Cup.

It is the third qualifying round of a competition that the Liverpool-based side have great tradition and they will be a stiff test for RMI, who are now unbeaten in a dozen games.

The away win at Flixton on Tuesday moved the Railwaymen into third place in the table with games in hand, but just as pleasing for manager Steve Waywell was the attitude of his side.

"I thought at Worksop last week that some of our players were just waiting for a defeat to happen, which can occur when teams are on a good run.

"It's a question of self belief and thankfully that quality was in evidence in our victory at Flixton," said Waywell.

"We will need it against Marine as well as the ability to compete, because if we don't they are the side to find you out.

Waywell still stick to the 14 that performed so well at Flixton, with Tony Edwards having no reaction from his long lay-off.

Defenders Mark Schofield, Graham Hill and Matty Weston are still unfit although all three could come into the reckoning on Saturday week.

Squad: Felgate, Wheeler, Wallace, Walmesley, Charlton, Booth, Bermingham, Ridings, Shaw, Evans, Edwards, Leishman, McKenna, Fahey.

ATHERTON LR break new ground tomorrow by going one better than in the 1990/91 season when they were beaten 4-0 in a 2nd Qualifier Round replay at Bangor City having drawn 0-0 at Crilly Park.

The visit of old rivals Bamber Bridge, the reigning Unibond Premier Division Champions, realistically should hold no real trepidation for Rovers. The Preston outfit, now managed by former RMI manager Mick Holgate, has suffered a torrid time in trying to defend that top flight title.

A home 3-1 defeat by Barrow in midweek left the club rock bottom of the current league table with just one win and two draws in ten played. LR also went down on Tuesday night by a 1-0 scoreline at home to Great Harwood Town but certainly played near to the recent high standards that brought four league wins on the trot and only the woodwork and a dogged performance from the visitors denied at least a share of the points.

Manager, Dave Morris, is hoping Mattie Brookes (hamstring) and Paul Griffin (back) will have shaken off injury worries to regain their places in midfield. Defender Steve Iley and striker Gavin McDonald return after missing the Tuesday game through work commitments and midfielder Kenny Quigg is hoping to be back from holiday in time. Bamber this week signed one of the top rated goalkeepers on the Non League scene of a few seasons ago, Joe Paladino, who has returned to soccer after a spell in professional boxing!

The injury list is getting longer for RADCLIFFE BORO manager Kevin Glendon. That could have a big bearing on a visit of Netherfield tomorrow that sees second placed Boro desperate for a win to ensure the seven point gap at the top of Division 1 opened up by leaders Lincoln United does not increase. Striker Frankie Bunn and Andy Kilner are long term absentees, whilst Peter McRae is still a fortnight away. Defenders Loz Greenhalgh and David Bean, keeper Andy Johnston and midfielder Jon Senior are still major worries, although the impressive return of Graham Haddon in the 1-1 draw at Workington does give Glendon a glimmer of light.

ATHERTON COLLS face a home tester against 7th in the NWCL Division 1 table Penrith. Striken midfielder Steve Coffey was only brought home from Stoke Hospital yesterday after last Saturday's horrendous dislocated hip injury suffered at Eastwood Hanley and officials at the club are trying to make arrangements for him to be able to watch the game.

Other injury worries for joint managers Steve Walton and Ian Lamb at the moment are Steve Wallace (hamstring) and Steve Dixon (stomach strain), plus Ian Walsh is on holiday and keeper Keith Schofield on honeymoon. Veteran Ian Senior continues in goal after an impressive debut in the midweek 1-0 Floodlit Cup win over Chadderton. Former LR left back Duncan Edwards signed in midweek and comes into contention for tomorrow.

DAISY HILL face a real tough away trip to third in the table Garswood United in the Division 2 Trophy 1st Round. Manager Jimmy Hulton will still be without the three "Garys" - Webster, Cunliffe and Crosby, but can welcome back Shaun Lilley, Phil Donlan and Darren Calderbank after suspension.

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