By Matt Lawton
November 11 2003

FA Cup giantkillers Scarborough make the trip to Lancashire this evening to take on a bouyant RMI in what is to be Phil Starbuck's first home game as Leigh manager after being officially confirmed as manager on a permanent basis last week. Starbuck was appointed following an encouraging performance in his first game as caretaker manager, an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round encounter away against Lancashire rivals Accrington Stanley, who since went on to defeat Third Division side Huddersfield Town in the First Round. Although RMI lost 2-0, the encouraging signs were there, with the excellent performance coming somewhat as a suprise to most following weeks of disarray under the stewardship of former manager Mark Patterson.

In his second encounter as caretaker boss, Starbuck guided his charges to a fantastic 1-0 victory against Hereford United, also away from home, in what was the Bulls' first home defeat of the season. It was this result that persuaded the RMI board of directors to give their full backing to Starbuck and prompted them to give the job on a permanent basis to the former Hucknall Town manager.

As Starbuck begins his reign as RMI boss on a permanent basis, he has his first chance to prove to the Leigh public that he has what it takes to guide RMI to another season of Conference safety against the odds.

Starbuck is boosted with the news that he has no injury or suspension worries, meaning he has a full strength side to choose from. Three of the key players that will take the field for RMI this evening are former Ireland goalkeeper Gary Kelly who has been in inspirational form since signing earlier this season, former Hamilton Academicals striker David McNiven who has scored an impressive nine goals already this season despite his side's poor start, and veteran former Bury and Manchester City midfielder Steve Redmond who, was appointed as RMI assistant manager when Starbuck was unveiled, and will be looking to inspire the side to victory.

Scarborough come in to the game full of confidence following their shock 1-0 FA Cup victory over Third Division side, and local rivals, Doncaster Rovers on Saturday afternoon.

However, they have a couple of injury worries, with Mark Quayle, once an RMI striker, struggling with an ankle injury, and his fitness will be monitored.

Scott Kerr has a back injury while Steve Baker has a leg strain, but both are expected to play through the pain barrier and take the field for the Seadogs this evening.

It's sure to be a thrilling encounter in what is RMI's first evening game of the season, make sure you're down at Hilton Park to see if the Railwaymen can pull off a giantkilling shock of their own against one of the weekend's big giantkillers.