LEIGH RMI's Alliance side has got off to a flying start with four wins out of five.

Each game the team comprises fringe players for the first team, lads on their way back from injury or suspension in need of match practice and trialists but most importantly there is a committed policy at the club to include half a dozen of the club's 20 Academy players.

This sees the side, which is essentially the club's Reserve team, take the field for each fixture with a playing combination which will include five or six 16 and 17 year olds. As the opposition will generally be the recognised Reserve teams of some of the country's major Non League clubs the selection policy was generally regarded at the club as building for the future. The success so far has been a genuine surprise and a major bonus.

Further down the youth team set up for the Railwaymen, the Under 12s moved into round three of the highly prestigious Lancashire Football Association Cup with an impressive 5-3 away win over Rossendale Amateurs Juniors.

A stunning Scott Grundy hat-trick, individual strikes from Brian Warhurst and David Matthews plus a rock solid man of the match showing from Jonathan Matthews, saw the Leigh youngsters through a difficult tie indeed.

The Under 9s went down 5-3 in the cup to Hindley Terriers but manager Nick Parker had nothing but praise for his young charges. Leigh's goals came from Matthew Farrimond, Thomas Mooney and Ryan Holt with Joshua Hall voted star performer.

The under 9s are now training each week at Fred Longworth School at 8.30pm on Thursday nights. Nick's number is 01942 894518. The Under 14s Lancashire Cup game against Wigan Junior Latics was postponed for the third week in succession. Manager Lee Harrison is still looking to add a goalkeeper, a right winger-cum-striker and a new midfielder to his squad. Lee's number is 01942 877344.