LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck will be hoping his team can take their revenge for an early season mauling against Stevenage when they face the southerners at Hilton Park on Saturday.

RMI were soundly beaten 4-0 by Stevenage, managed by Graeme Westley, back in September.

The Railwaymen desperately need to start picking up points to stand any chance of beating the drop from the Nationwide Conference after their controversial defeat against relegation rivals Tamworth last weekend.

Both Wayne Maden and Carl Rezai were given the red cards

- but despite the defeat, Starbuck remains upbeat about RMI's survival hopes, starting with the home clash with Stevenage.

"The players worked hard and competed, and gave me everything. We certainly didn't deserve that result. We are now seven points adrift of Tamworth. But we will carry on fighting because two wins and we are back in it. I am proud of every player.

"It is demoralising, but come what may we will be fighting our socks off."

Chris Lane, who only joined RMI two weeks ago, has signed for Chester. The Conference table toppers, managed by former England defender Mark Wright, have allowed striker Steve Brodie and wing-back Jamie Heard to join Leigh on a month's loan.

Former Sunderland, Swansea and Scarborough striker Brodie, 31, has not figured for Chester since August and has had loan spells with Forest Green and UniBond League side Droylsden this season.

Heard, 20, has started a dozen Conference games for Chester since his arrival from Hull City last summer.