LEIGH RMI go into a pivotal double header with Stalybridge over the festive period in the knowledge that the outcome will shape the rest of their season.

The two North West clubs occupy the two places directly above the relegation zone after recent defeats and Leigh manager Steve Waywell recognises the significance of the Hilton Park clash between the two on Boxing Day.

"These two matches are massive for us, possibly the biggest of the season," he said. "I know that we are in a relegation fight but we are not in the drop zone and won't be if we carry on playing as we are.

"The lads aren't down at the moment, we know that we have got the quality to stay in the Conference and a couple of good results would send us on our way."

RMI have a good record against their Bower Fold opposition stretching back to their days in the Unibond League. In their championship winning season of 1999-2000, the Railwaymen coasted to a league 'double' over Celtic after a 3-1 away victory in heavy fog and a 2-0 win on Easter Saturday.

However, the most memorable contest was the previous season at Stalybridge when Leigh fought back from 4-0 down to claim a draw deep into stoppage time.

Leigh will hope to pull away from the bottom three after the fesive fixtures, but of more concern to them will be poor attendances, which they hope to boost with the Boxing Day match ko 3pm.

In a bid to boost the numbers anyone who shows the ticket stub from the Bolton Wanderers home match against Leeds United which kicks-off at noon will be admitted to Hilton Park for only £5.