Southport v Leigh RMI preview by Martyn Hindley

A NIGHT of tension and excitement awaits Leigh RMI fans in the LDV Vans Trophy this evening - but the club are left cursing their luck with no league action for a fortnight.

The Railwaymen are starting to piece a run of form together after back to back wins in the Conference.

But with a potentially lucrative FA Cup tie just days away, the possibility of acquiring injuries in tonight's clash with fellow non-league club Southport is a concern to manager Steve Waywell.

"It is a problem for me in a way", said the RMI boss.

"Because I know that they can call upon extra players in their squad and that our lads won't get the chance of a rest.

"But it is still a match that we want to win and one that we can win. We played very well there last month and it's a big incentive to us that league opposition could be just one game away."

Skipper Gerry Harrison returned to first-team action in Leigh's 3-1 win at Gravesend on Saturday, and he is likely to use the first round game tonight to reach full match fitness.

But Andy Heald is unlikely to be off the treatment table in time to face the Sandgrounders.

Chris Ward is likely to get back into the side after missing out on the trip to Kent through illness.

And he could be partnered by former Bradford City and Oldham forward Neil Tolson who was so impressive during his first substitute appearance for the club at the weekend.

RMI's results on the road have been lacklustre but they can be confident after their last meeting with Phil Wilson's men, when Leigh dominated for the most part before going down to a controversial 4-2 defeat.