By Matt Lawton
April 8 2004

Leigh RMI's four year stay in the Nationwide Conference could come to an end tomorrow evening if they fail to return over the Pennines with three points from their encounter with Halifax Town at the Shay. RMI make the short hop over the Pennines for a game they simply have to win.

The Railwaymen are eleven points behind Good Friday's opponents and if they fail to win then mathmatically they will be relegated. However, if circumstances fall in RMI's favour then they could earn a reprieve, but only if they finish third from bottom in the table, but even that is going to be a tough task if victory doesn't arrive at the Shay.

RMI boss Phil Starbuck is fully aware of the challenge ahead of him, but is also confident that success can be achieved, with the very future of the club dependant on his side's next few games.

Starbuck only has one injury worry, with only Wayne Maden struggling to be fit after suffering an injury in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat in Burton Albion, which was deemed serious enough for him to be replaced immediately by former Bury midfielder Steve Gunby, who could continue to deputise.

Former Oldham Athletic and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gary Kelly could be set to finally return to the side after eventually recovering from the hand injury which has kept him out of action for more than three months since he picked it up in the 5-0 defeat away at league leaders Chester City on Boxing Day of last year.

If RMI fail to win, then it could be curtains. Hope still remains though, come on Leythers!