By Matt Lawton
November 9 2008

Leigh Genesis return to the scene of their first outing of the summer on Monday evening when they visit neighbours Atherton Collieries in the First Round of the Lancashire FA Co-Operative Challenge Trophy, though a lot has changed since Leigh's last visit to Alder House.

That particular fixture took place on a balmy July evening, where Steve Bleasdale's new-look side heralded a new era for the club with a resounding 5-0 victory in front of several hundred supporters in what was Leigh's first game since becoming Leigh Genesis.

Since then, Genesis chairman Dominic Speakman has withdrawn his funding of the club and, as a consequence, Bleasdale has left for the hotseat, to be replaced by former reserve manager Lee Merricks, with most of Leigh's original first team squad leaving for pastures new and replaced by young members of Merricks' previous side.

Merricks' first game in charge came with yesterday's 3-0 defeat to North Ferriby United at Hurst Cross, home of Ashton United, although the scoreline was a little harsh of Merricks' young charges as they created several chances of their own that, with a little more experience, might have seen Genesis collect at least a point.

Hosts Atherton Collieries, with ex-Leigh striker Troy Hayder in their ranks, have endured a tough start to their Vodkat North West Counties Premier League campaign, with Saturday's 5-0 home defeat to AFC Fylde leaving them rooted to the foot of the table.

However, Collieries pride themselves on playing passing football and Leigh would be wise to be wary of the threat that the Atherton side pose them, with a repeat of last season's run to the semi final of the competition an unlikely prospect if they are to underestimate their opponents.

Kick off is at 7:45pm at Alder House on Monday evening, with a large Leigh contingent expected to make the short trip. Ensure that you're one of them and lend your support to the lads, whilst also helping out one of our footballing neighbours that have been all too happy to help out our club when we've needed it.