COACHES and cars full of hopeful supporters will set out on Wednesday for Kendal Town's biggest match in 30 years..and manager Peter Smith reckons he can send them home happy.

Town meet Conference side Leigh RMI in the final of the Marsden BS Lancashire Cup at Accrington Stanley FC.

Town have a reputation as giant-killers after knocking out Premier Division sides Barrow and Accrington Stanley on the way.

It was way back in 1972 that Kendal Town, then Netherfield FC, made it to a cup final when they lost 31 to Wigan Athletic in the Lancashire Challenge Trophy. This time manager Smith is certain that his team can go one better against Conference League relegation candidates Leigh RMI.

Assessing the opposition, Smith said: "They have two six- footers up front in Neil Campbell and Keith Scott.

"They were brought in from Scunthorpe by manager Mark Patterson in a bid to save them from relegation.

"Winger Ian Monk is also fast, but I have said before that on our day we can handle any side."

Smith may be confident, but it is a blow that in-form striker David Foster will be absent from Town's 16-strong squad as the Kirkby Lonsdale teacher is committed to taking children on an Easter school trip.

Smith said Saturday's gusty win over Guiseley handed him welcome problems as several players in a scratch side gave performances to make him think about about who gets the starting shirts for the final.

"A lot will rest on how things go in our home match against Bamber Bridge tomorrow - we owe them one," he said referring to an 8-2 drubbing in the UniBond League Chairman's Cup.

"I won't be starting with the full cup side tomorrow, but the lads will be playing both for places and for places in the squad next year," he added.

One major concern is that winger James Sheppard has only a 50-50 chance of being fit, but striker Craig Walmsley and winger Gary Prosser are both back in training after knocks.

Right-back Lee Pennington was substituted on Saturday because of a hamstring twinge but is expected to recover.

Although Smith is keeping his team to himself, regular keeper Ward and the back three of Pennington, Richard Close and Hodgson are likely to feature. On the wings Smith has choices to make with Prosser, Walmsley, Sheppard and Jamie Close all possibilities.

With Foster absent, Walmsley or Close could go up front to partner specialist strikers Jones or Simpson.

It is in midfield that Smith has most options with Cliff, Corcoran, Blamire, Hayton and McKenna all in contention for that prized final shirt.

April 11, 2003 10:00