By Matt Lawton
February 20 2003

Leigh RMI's game with old rivals Chorley in the Marsden Trophy Semi Final at Hilton Park this evening is definitely ON after a lunchtime pitch inspection.

The game is being played tonight after it was originally postponed on Tuesday night due to a frozen pitch. The thaw since then has been sufficient enough for the game to take place at 7.45pm this evening.

RMI manager Mark Patterson has a virtually full strength squad at his disposal as he aims to pick up his first piece of silverware since becoming RMI manager back in December last year.

Former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Patterson is aware of the rivalry between the sides and said "It would be nice to pick up some silverware this season so we’ll be putting out our strongest team for the local derby against Chorley. There is a long tradition of friendly rivalry between the two teams dating back to when RMI were based in Horwich. This is a game we want to win but we know that, despite an average season so far, Chorley will be out to give us a torrid time."

Former England Under 21 midfielder Mark Ford, on loan from Third Division side Darlington, is the only player who is definitely out of the game as he is ineligible to play in the competiton.

Former Oldham Athletic midfielder Phil Salt is Patterson's only other doubt after be picked up a thigh strain in the 1-1 draw with Southport at the weekend. Salt will have a fitness test to determine whether or not he will be fit to take on the Magpies.

Patterson's squad has been boosted by the news that Tunisian striker Dino Maamria will be staying at Hilton Park for the forseeable future after he turned down a transfer to Conference rivals Stevenage Borough.

Chorley contain a few ex-RMI players in the shape of Keith Evans and Simon Turpin and will be looking to put over on their former club. It is sure to be a good cup tie with the victors going through to the final, awaiting the winner of the other semi final between Unibond Premier Division leaders Accrington Stanley and North West Counties League side Kendal.

COME ON LEYTHERS!