Leigh RMI 2 Kettering 2 by David Magilton

LEIGH's hopes of putting daylight between themselves and bottom club Kettering were dented by an indisciplined display.

The Railwaymen, looking for a third successive league win, lacked a cutting edge in attack, while poor defending cost them both goals.

The visitors, bottom of the Conference and lacking in confidence, rarely threatened the Leigh goal, but when slack defending gave them the opportunities they capitalised on them.

Fortunately for RMI, although they found themselves behind for most of the game, they managed to salvage a point - yet it could so easily have been a three.

They were without 10 goal top scorer Dino Maamria but new striker Neil Tolson put himself about yet lacked a partner to pounce on his knock downs.

The big striker was unlucky to see a header cleared off the line, but should have done better when a clear header went over the bar, while Ged Kielty missed the easiest of chances when he spooned a shot over the target.

The Poppies, meanwhile, took the lead in the 24th minute when new signing John Robertson from Southport, failed to clear properly and Richard Butcher grabbed his third of the season.

Just when it looked as it was not going to be Leigh's day they equalised in the 67th minute when the ball squirted out to Ged Courtney and he blasted home.

Town went ahead again 10 minutes from time when substitute Simon Parker raced clear and slotted home. RMI looked down and out but two minutes later Tolson rifled the equaliser.

Manager Steve Waywell felt frustrated at his side's display.

"We made too many passes in poor conditions. We had to get the ball in the box as that is where it going to hurt. I am disappointed with the defence. They have to take responsibility as they are not doing their job properly."