Gravesend & Northfleet v. Leigh RMI preview

By Matt Lawton
October 1 2004

Leigh RMI make the long trip down south to Kent to face Conference high-flyers Gravesend & Northfleet at Stonebridge Road on Saturday afternoon.

The hosts are flying high in the league, lying in fourth place, just three points behind leaders Barnet, and they will be looking to continue their recent good form to at least challenge top spot following last weekend's 2-1 victory away at Accrington Stanley.

RMI have failed to win away from home in fourteen games, while the 'Fleet haven't failed to score in an incredible thirty Conference games in a row, so the Railwaymen will have their work cut out against a Gravesend side featuring former Wycombe Wanderers FA Cup hero Roy Essandoh, who famously signed for then-manager Lawrie Sanchez via an internet advert, going on to score the winner in the Chairboys' victory at Leicester City as they went on a glorious run all the way to a semi final against Liverpool.

RMI's last visit to Stonebridge Road resulted in a 3-1 defeat, with the now departed Wayne Maden and Martyn Lancaster both being sent off, with David McNiven scoring RMI's solitary goal.

For this weekend's trip, Leigh will be without former Shrewsbury Town defender Greg Rioch, son of former Bolton Wanderers manager Bruce, who has apparently left the club after just two games for the Railwaymen since signing from relegation rivals Northwich Victoria.

Also missing will be veteran former Oldham Athletic goalkeeper Gary Kelly, who this week announced that he will be retiring from the game after a troublesome thumb injury kept him out of action for ten months, meaning that Australian goalkeeper Ian Martin will continue between the sticks for RMI.

However, RMI boss Phil Starbuck is looking to add a new player to his side in time for the trip, although time is running out for him, with the signing rumoured to be either a new striker or goalkeeper.