By Matt Lawton
November 22 2007

After a false start in the FA Cup, RMI have a second chance to begin the road to Wembley on Saturday afternoon when they make the short trip to face Lancashire neighbours and Blue Square North rivals Burscough in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy.

RMI's hopes of a money spinning cup run were dashed almost before they had begun earlier in the season when, despite taking the lead through a Mark Jackson goal, they lost 4-1 at Harrogate Railway Athletic in the Second Qualifying Round, with the Unibond League side since earning national acclaim in a run that has earned them an upcoming Second Round Proper tie with Football League outfit Mansfield Town.

Hosts Burscough, who have never faced Leigh prior to Saturday's game, have fond memories of the competition after defeating Tamworth 2-1 in the 2003 final at Villa Park, undoubtedly the high point in the history of the Lancashire village club's history.

The Linnets currently find themselves confounding the critics in their league campaign in seventh place in their first ever Blue Square North season after winning last season's Unibond Premier League title, although they appear to have a degree of inconsistency after a terrific 2-1 win over leaders Harrogate Town earlier this month was followed by a 3-1 defeat at Redditch United last weekend.

Last season's FA Trophy competition saw RMI reach the Second Round before bowing out to eventual winners Stevenage Borough in an entertaining 3-1 defeat at Broadhall Way.

With £3,000 available to the winner's of Saturday's tie, it is a game well worth winning for the cash strapped Railwaymen, particularly if a win can help to improve their league form after last week's 3-1 defeat at home to Nuneaton Borough left Steve Bleasdale's side at the foot of the Blue Square North table.