Boro's big trophy hopes

Tomorrow Boro entertain Fleetwood in the 2nd Qualifying round. A month ago this tie would have looked something of a formality with Fleetwood floundering and Redcliffe on the crest of a wave.

Just a few short weeks have changed all that! Fleetwood have suddenly found top form and in midweek travelled to Division 1 front-runners Lancaster City to inflict a 0-1 shock result, proving they are currently no pushover.

Boro, having experienced a worrying dip from the early season dizzy heights, appear to be on the upward trend again at the moment. Unfortunately for Glendon, David Bean and outstanding star of recent games, Simon Whittle, both miss the game through suspension. Ian Phillips, double Player of the Year award winner two seasons ago, comes into the squad as cover. LEIGH RMI, who crashed out of one Cup on Wednesday, attempt to make progress in another tomorrow when they meet Matlock at Hilton Park.

They must put behind them the disappointment of the 3-0 Challenge Cup defeat by Witton as they take on another side from the Premier Division in the money-spinning Umbro FA Trophy.

Matlock, who have only won once in 16 matches, have just appointed Imre Varadi as manager and it will be his first game in charge.

RMI will have Tony Briffa in the starting line-up after returning as sub on Wednesday following his 10-week lay-off.

They will also have Paul Kirkham making his home debut and could have a new defender signed after recent defensive blunders.

Squad: Allison, Charlton, Schofield, Arnold, Walmesley, Senior, Briffa, Orrell, Lewis, Kirkham, McCarty, Shaw, Smyth, Edwards, Fahey, Booth. ATHERTON LR travel to lowly Harrogate Town for a Division 1 fixture looking to capitalise on other championship rivals being in FA Trophy action. A win would put LR on the same points as second placed Lancaster City and Alfreton Town, with leaders Netherfield three clear on 31

. Dave Morris's side is beginning to purr and with the injury list clearing almost as fast as it grew to incredible proportions, other contenders will be keeping more than a wary eye on the Crilly Park side.

Keeper Andy Hills has recovered from his facial injury and travels with the side, leaving only Paul Burrows with his pulled hamstring as an injury-forced absentee. Damien Kelly has recovered from his broken foot and plays with the Reserves.

RAMSBOTTOM UTD entertain big local rivals Bacup Boro with goalkeeper Mike Kelly facing a late fitness test on a recurrence of the groin strain that sidelined him for a month earlier in the season. Former Stockport County striker Steve Johnson looks set to return for the derby clash after missing the last four games with a hamstring injury. ATHERTON COLLS stage the top attraction in the NWCL Division 2 with table-toppers Vauxhall GM the visitors to Alder House. The Birkenhead outfit has set the NWCL alight since re-election in the summer and have only been beaten once in 13 games for a 34 point total.

Colls have yet to taste league defeat this season and, although they trail Vauxhall on 25 points have a massive four games in hand. Unfortunately for joint manager Steve Walton and Ian Lamb there is a strong possibility that on loan former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Gary Henshaw will be recalled by Hyde Utd to help manager Mike McKenzie out of an injury crisis. Recent signing Phil Chadwick, also from Hyde, played in the Reserves on Tuesday to gain match fitness and pulled up after ten minutes with a hamstring problem. He faces a late fitness test. The good news however is that top-rated young centre back Andy Pendlebury returns from suspension.

DAISY HILL travel to the side that finished third in Division 2 last season, Tetley Walker, with an injury doubt over midfielder Phil Donlan, who seems unable to shake off a troublesome hamstring pull. Rest is beginning to look like the only cure, as is the case with midfield partner Gary Cunliffe with his ankle injury.

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