LEIGH RMI set sail into uncharted waters tomorrow when their Nationwide Conference campaign gets underway with a Hilton Park clash against Dagenham and Redbridge.

And the voyage is already planned to finish outside the bottom three.

It is the highest standard the club as ever played at; a meteoric rise since the move from Horwich in 1995.

Tomorrow's opponents were also promoted last season, having won the Ryman League in a canter, although they did experience the Conference five years ago.

RMI boss Steve Waywell could spring a surprise by playing a lone striker in Tony Black, with the expectation that the speedy duo on the flanks, Ian Monk and Steve Jones, will be there to support when needed. That would mean a five-man midfield with former Manchester United star Clayton Blackmore competing with Ged Kielty for a place alongside Ricky Harris and Dave Ridings. Full back Gary Scott as impressed in recent games and he is sure to get the nod on the right with Jamie Udall and Iain Swan in the centre of defence. Andy Farrell and Dave German will be challenging for the left back spot.

The Essex side brought the curtain down on a disappointing pre-season with a 2-2 draw against a West Ham XI on Monday and they too have gone for experience in the transfer market.

Manager Gary Hill has brought in former Manchester City player Mark Brennan and ex-QPR star Tony Roberts. Fulham's Rob Haworth has joined on a free, while they are also giving trials to former Colchester and Millwall player, Steve Forbes.