IT'S a battle of the under-supported clubs at Hilton Park on Boxing Day as Leigh RMI try to battle out of the relegation zone against Harrogate Town.

It's the first of three games over the festive period that could have a major bearing on the future of the club in Nationwide North, with another home fixture against Hucknall to come on December 30.

North Yorkshire club Harrogate have been consistently frustrated at their lack of a decent home attendance this season although the numbers through the turnstiles at Wetherby Road dwarf those at Leigh as they approach 400 on a regular basis.

But it is back at base where Town operate best, losing just one game there all season and only being conquered in the FA Cup there by League Two side Torquay United on penalties in last month's first round.

But victory is imperative for RMI whose decline after a decent start has been alarming. Since the win over Hinckley on August 29 - their last in the league - Andy Nelson's side have eked just four points from 33 available and now sit just two points clear of Vauxhall Motors in bottom spot.

Officials at Hilton Park are hoping that the holiday season will bring more numbers through the turnstiles after bringing the Hucknall game forward to Friday night, December 30.

But if Leigh remain in the relegation zone after the return at Harrogate on January 2, they could find the escape act just about impossible in the New Year.