MARK Patterson will field his strongest possible side for the Marsden Building Society Lancashire Challenge Trophy at Rossendale tonight.

The Leigh RMI manager's plans to give his squad a run-out in a friendly at Stalybridge on Saturday were hit by the weather so he is keen for his players to get a run-out.

"I have said all along that the league is my priority but I will turn a strong side out tonight because the lads did not play at the weekend," said Patterson.

He appears to have admitted defeat in his plans to sign Sheffield United striker Tyrone Thompson.

"He has been in the first team squad for the past couple of weeks, so I don't think I will be able to get him. I am still trying to bring in a couple of players before Saturday'" he added.

If the Railwaymen are successful at Rossendale they will be at home to either Chorley or Blackpool Mechanics in the semi-final two weeks later.