LEIGH RMI face one of the season's toughest tasks on Saturday when title-chasing Boston United travel to Hilton Park but recent history shows that they are more than up to the test writes Martyn Hindley

RMI confounded their critics three weeks ago as they completed a 'double' over Dagenham and Redbridge - Boston's nearest rivals for promotion to the Third Division, and that victory was part of a run that has seen just two defeats in the past 14 matches for the Railwaymen. Prior to that, the threat of relegation loomed large over headquarters.

With that now relieved of them, a new belief and confidence is exuding from Steve Waywell's men and RMI will be confident of inflicting a big blow on a Boston side that is struggling to handle the pressure of topping the table. With over three thousand packing into their York Street ground for every game, they failed to impress in recent televised clashes with Hereford United and Barnet as well as in Monday night's goalless draw with a second-string Stevenage Borough side.

Such dreadful form at a crucial stage in the season has seen the pressure on their away games intensify and this could not have been more evident than in last weeks' visit to Southport as they got out of jail with two stoppage time goals after trailing 2-0 with half an hour to play. The strain might start to show if Dagenham beat Doncaster tonight to establish a three point cushion at the top of the league.

RMI failed to impress in the final third last weekend but are bound to turn on the style on Saturday, particularly if striker Dino Maamria has recovered from a groin strain in time to play.

Leigh chiefs will be hoping for a large crowd for what is deemed to be their biggest game of the campaign, particularly considering their superb record against champion teams.

Their sensational defeat of Rushden and Diamonds last season attracted 1,405 to Hilton Park, whilst they have also staved off the challenge of Barrow and Altrincham in the respective seasons that they won the Unibond League to progress to the Conference.