By Matt Lawton
January 17 2003

Promotion hopefuls Chester City travel to Hilton Park tomorrow deflated but defiant after their controversial FA Cup 2nd Round defeat to fellow Conference side Morecambe last week.

Chester fell to the odd goal in five but felt they were deprived by a referee who apparently more than favoured the Shrimps. Moneybags Chester will be looking to bounce back with a Conference victory against RMI, as will their huge army of fans who are about the descend on Hilton Park.

RMI manager Steve Waywell should have the luxury of a virtually full strength squad to pick from, albeit a squad that has been getting smaller and smaller throughout the season as players move on to reduce the wage bill. Waywell's only worry is former Stalybridge defender Neil Fitzhenry who is doubtful with an ankle injury he suffered in the defeat against Forest Green last week. RMI will also be boosted by the return of Tunisian goal machine Dino Maamria after suspension.

RMI will be looking for a repeat of the superb 3-0 home victory over Chester last season, when striker Michael Twiss scored twice at Hilton Park. Ironically, former Manchester United youngster Twiss transferred to the Deva in the summer and could line up against his former team mates on Saturday afternoon.

This is Leigh's second meeting with Chester this season after the two clubs met at the Deva Stadium on a muggy Friday night in September. RMI took a shock lead that night through an own goal after great work from Ian Monk but unfortunately fell to a 2-1 defeat despite Stuart Coburn's penalty save with the score still at 1-0 to RMI. RMI felt themselves were deprived by the referee that night after Ian Monk was hauled down in the area yet the referee kept his hands by his side.

It's set to be a great game at Hilton Park watched by a big crowd, get there and support your local team. COME ON LEYTHERS!!