By Matt Lawton
January 16 2004

RMI's fellow strugglers Farnborough Town make the trip to Hilton Park on Saturday afternoon with both sides desperate for points in what is a fascinating battle for Conference survival. Farnborough start the game occupying the final relegation spot, just a point ahead of RMI, who are seven points ahead of basement club Northwich Victoria, who seem cast adrift although there is always the possibility of a sudden Vics revival, a possibility which RMI boss Phil Starbuck will be fully aware of, and will no doubt be reminding to his players.

Starbuck is boosted by the return to fitness of England Semi-Professional centre back Neil Durkin, who has recovered from the groin injury he suffered in the 5-0 defeat at Chester on Boxing Day last month, and he looks set to partner Gerry Harrison and Martyn Lancaster in a three-pronged RMI back line.

Former Bury goalkeeper Sebastien Rowe looks likely to miss the game on the bench because of an ongoing investigation in to his eligibility following his appearance in last weekend's 1-1 FA Trophy draw with Stalybridge Celtic, despite seemingly failing to have international clearance to appear for RMI, nor in any of his 16 games previously this season when playing for local North West Counties League side Atherton Collieries. Thankfully, RMI's regular back-up Ian Martin is again available for selection after missing the game with Stalybridge because he was cup-tied following an appearance in the same competition for Rossendale United when on-loan with the East Lancashire outfit earlier this season. With veteran former Republic of Ireland and Oldham Athletic goalkeeper Gary Kelly still sidelined with a broken thumb, Martin is set to regain his place 'between the sticks' for RMI.

Recent signings Carl Alford, who signed from Gainsborough Trinity, and Chris McHale, who signed from Burscough, are both available for selection after missing last weekend's game because of a failure to meet the FA Trophy's seven day registration deadline.

Visiting Farnborough are without the suspended Marc Thompson, along with Paul Harkness who is struggling with a hamstring injury, but Congolese striker DouDou could be set to make his Farnborough debut after signing from Queens Park Rangers.

Farnborough's last visit to Hilton Park came late last season, with RMI running out 3-2 victors and collecting a three points which were vital in their eventual Conference survival. Ex-RMI striker Keith Scott scored his first ever RMI goal as he, along with goals from Wayne Maden and Phil Salt, secured victory for RMI, although the Railwaymen were indebted to goalkeeper Stuart Coburn who produced an excellent display in what was an excellent season for the former Altrincham stopper, who is now back with his former club after being offloaded from RMI by former manager Mark Patterson.

Farnborough had previously that season won through to the Third Round of the FA Cup, only to suffer a 5-1 defeat to Premiership giants Arsenal, and owner-manager Graham Westley departed for Stevenage Borough, taking much of his succesful side with him to Broadhall Way.