The Celts have run out 3-1 victors in both of the past two meetings between the sides, with two goals in the final five minutes ensuring an enthralling victory at Bower Fold earlier this season, while a Chris Simm strike proved to be little consolation in a depressing defeat at Hilton Park last January.

Managed by former Northwich Victoria boss Steve Burr, Celtic boast ex-RMI man Alex Meechan in their squad, with two goals in his first four Blue Square North games for Celtic proving to be an impressive start for the former Halifax Town striker.

Despite what is traditionally a particularly busy period of the football season, a constant struggle against the Tameside winter means that Stalybridge have managed to play just two games so far this month, with a 4-0 win over Solihull at the start of the month being followed by a welcome three week rest before the impressive midweek win at Ewen Fields against Hyde, a particularly joyous occasion for the visiting support as they knocked their local rivals and RMI's "B team" from their perch at the top of the table.

After two Mark Smyth goals in the first six minutes of Wednesday's home game with mid-table Workington sealed a long-awaited 2-1 victory, Leigh boss Steve Bleasdale is likely to keep faith with the side that earned him a first victory as manager since returning to the club ten games ago.

Kick off at Hilton Park is 3pm on Saturday afternoon.

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