Altrincham 2, Leigh RMI 2 TWO moments of sheer quality breathed life back into a lacklustre Leigh RMI, as they picked themselves up off the floor to share the points at rainswept Altrincham last night and extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

There appeared to be no way back for Leigh after Danny McGoona had headed the Robins into a seemingly unassailable 2-0 lead. But the Railwaymen are nothing if not resilient, and battled their way back to level with two goals in 13 minutes.

After having a goal disallowed in the opening stages Leigh had not troubled Matt Dickens in the home goal for almost an hour, but the introduction of Martin James gave a midfield that lacked width, a better balance, but more importantly, a touch of class.

In the 67th minute, he curled in a cross of quality that invited Chris Shaw to head past the stranded Dickens for his eighth goal of the season.

Then, 10 minutes from time James combined with Dave Ridings down the right, before Phil Brown cut in and blasted an unstoppable left-foot drive into the far top corner from the edge of the box for his third goal for RMI since signing from Great Harwood.

"It was a tremendous strike," said manager Steve Waywell. "But I am disappointed, we have given another side two goals start.

"We have to begin to believe in ourselves and although a point away from home is satisfactory, I'm disappointed not to get the full lot, because I think we can compete and beat the likes of Altrincham.

"The long lay-off didn't help us as we looked ring-rusty, and our midfield was unbalanced, but we showed good battling qualities to come back like we did."

Altrincham had taken a 28th minute lead when Graham Hill could only clear a George Shepherd cross to Jamie Taylor on the edge of the box and he beat Dave Felgate with a low drive into the corner.

RMI fell further behind six minutes after the break. Danny Adams was left in acres of space, to pick out McGoona, and his downward header struck Felgate before rolling over the line.

At this point, Altrincham were coasting, but once again Leigh produced a never-say-die attitude that has been their hallmark this season, but the fightback was inspired with the introduction of subs James and Brown.

Radcliffe Boro's Lancashire ATS Trophy second round tie against Barrow at Stainton Park was postponed. No new date has been fixed.

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