NEIL Durkin gave cash-strapped Leigh RMI a great boost at the weekend as he resisted the temptation of higher wages elsewhere to re-sign for another season in the Conference at Hilton Park.

Leigh confirmed their place in the league with victory at Stevenage Borough on Monday but of more concern to them of late has been the few players who have committed themselves to another term with the Railwaymen.

The highly-rated Durkin became only the fourth to agree terms for 2002-2003, following in the footsteps of strikers Dino Maamria and Tony Black and defender Nicky Spooner.

Pleased at retaining the services of a crucial squad member, Steve Waywell praised Durkin's loyalty: "Neil stayed at his previous club Darwen when he had attractive offers elsewhere and he has done the same with us.

"I think that is a great signal to send out to the club because he is a very talented young player with a bright future ahead of him and I am looking forward to him playing in RMI colours next season."

Despite the confidence of the Leigh boss though, he seems resigned to losing key players to rival clubs.

He revealed how Gerry Harrison has been the subject of offers from both Hereford and Dagenham and Redbridge in recent weeks as well as from an undisclosed league club, and although Harrison has resisted such a move to date it looks unlikely RMI can meet his financial requirements.

Rather than money matters, it is Michael Twiss's ambition for a regular spot in the Football League that may take him away from Leigh next season, a move that would be a big blow to home fans who have been wowed by his popular brand of attacking flair since he was drafted into the squad last September. But before any footballing musical chairs commences, there is the small matter of RMI's final home game to overcome and they don't come much harder than Yeovil Town. Leigh have lost all three meetings with the Glovers since their promotion to the Conference, and that includes a 6-1 drubbing in Somerset last Easter. But with nothing to play for and an FA Trophy final to look forward to, there can never be a better time to meet up with Gary Johnson's ambitious side, who are likely to bring a massive away following on the 200-mile journey this weekend.

Victory for the Railwaymen would consolidate their position in the top half of the Conference table and give them an outside chance of qualifying for the LDV Vans Trophy when they travel to Farnborough Town on the last day of the season. It seems likely that the top seven sides and Halifax - who were relegated from Division Three - will represent the Conference in the tournament, which starts in September.

Kick-off for Saturday's game will be at 3pm, when RMI will be hoping to build on their run that has seen them lose just three of their last sixteen matches in the league.