TITLE contenders Saints will be out to avoid any slip-ups against struggling London Broncos at the Valley, Charlton, on Saturday (6.05).

Anything other than outright victory is unthinkable after Saints' epic win at Leeds and the prospect of a leadership showdown with Wigan next week.

But Saints will need no reminding Broncos won at Knowsley Road last season, while only a last-gasp try by Paul Newlove separated the sides at the Valley in May.

Coachless since the sacking of John Monie, London are second from bottom and have lost five successive games, but they gave Castleford a run for their money on Sunday and can be relied upon to do the same against Saints.

The likely Bronco's line-up Is: Warton; Toshack, Timu, Crouther, Peters; Lupton, Air; Dooley, Clark, Siebold, Millard, Retchless, Johnson. Substitutes Cram, Callaway, Napoli, Davidson.

Tommy Martyn is given a 50/50 chance of playing after being ruled out with an ankle injury at Headingley, and a final decision will be made on his fitness when Saints arrive in London on Friday. Vila Matautia was awaited the findings of the disciplinary committee as the Star went to press. Karl Kirkpatrick is referee, Sky coverage begins at 6pm as does that of Radio Merseyside with Alan Rooney and Ray French.

Supporters' Club coaches are fully booked.

Newly-signed Australian forward David Fairleigh arrived at Knowsley Road this week, but will return to Australia after watching Saints play in London on Saturday.

Stand tickets for the Wigan game are on sale at Knowsley Road price £14 and £10.

Saints have submitted a planning application to the Council for a19,000 capacity stadium on the former UGB site.

Stand-off Scott Barrow was outstanding when the Alliance team ensured second place with a convincing 46-24 win over Warrington at Knowsley Road. He scored two tries as did Mike Bennett, with the others coming from Gareth Price, John Kirkpatrick, John Hamilton and John Braddish, who also kicked seven goals. Saints' team was: McCully; Birkett, Smith, Giles, Kirkpatrick; Barrow, Braddish; Loughlin, Hamilton, Henare, Edmondson, Proudfoot, Bennett. Substitutes: Cunliffe, Price, McConnell, Holdstock. Halves Barrow and Braddish were the inspirations behind Saints' 32-6 win at Halifax. Tries were scored by Mark McCully (2), Chris Giles, Dwayne West and Braddish, who also landed four goals. Braddish has kicked 75 goals and scored 19 tries for a total of 226 points. Saints will entertain Leeds Rhinos in a qualifying play-off tonight, Thursday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Saints' former Academy coach Nick Halafihi has been appointed acting Rugby League performance director in succession to Joe Lydon.

The Academy team lost 4-44 against Bradford at Knowsley Road on Saturday. Saints travel to Huddersfield on Monday, kick-off 7.30pm.

Junior club St. Helens Vine raised a bumper £1,500 from their recent dinner at Nexus club. Delighted official and former Saints star Frankie Barrow said: 'Vine wish to thank everyone for their support, including speakers Alex Murphy and Malcolm Lord.'

The Supporters Club will present the Eddie and Stevo Roadshow in the cabaret room on Monday, October 9, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 including hot-pot and are available at the Supporters shop. A fund-raising dinner and comedy night in aid of Willowbrook Hospice will be held at Saints on Saturday, August 28, from 7.30pm. It will be compered by Neil Holding and comedians will be Billy Bean and Ven Tracey. Tickets cost £17.50 from restaurant manageress Mary Dixon on 756119, Jimmy O'Sullivan 28148, and George Connolly 0151-426-0030. Raffle prizes and donations will be gratefully accepted.

Diary dates for the Independent Supporters Association include: Sunday, September 17. Sponsored walk around Snowdon. Friday, December 22. Christmas party, Unison club, £3. February (date to be finalised) Presentation night at Hilton Hotel with Stevo. Four course meal. Tickets £25 from Linda Edwards on 617246 after 5pm.

Legend Alex Murphy will be interviewed by Steve Manning on St. Helens College radio tomorrow, Friday, between1 and 2pm. The programme will run for three further weeks and the wavelength is Solar 1287.

Eccleston-based Super League referee Steve Ganson will take charge of the South Africa v Wales Test in Johannesburg on Thursday, September 19. He will jet out with the Welsh party, which includes Keiron Cunningham, Paul Atcheson, Anthony Sullivan, Chris Joynt and Saints' coach Ian Millward

Answer to correspondent Aaron Phillips, of Billinge: Saints' squad that defeated Leeds16-13 at Wembley in 1972 contained eight locals. They were Geoff Pimblett, Les Jones, Bill Benyon, Ken Kelly, Geoff Heaton, Les Greenall, Eric Chisnall and substitute Alan Whittle.