EVEN with the added boost of late signing Dave Ridings, Leigh RMI opened the new campaign with a disappointing defeat against Droylsden at Hilton Park.

The much sought-after Ridings, who signed from Preston North End on Saturday lunch time and just an hour before the deadline, was the seventh member of the Railwaymen's 14-man squad making their league debut.

And for half an hour, all the pre-season optimism seemed to be justified as they dominated newly-relegated Droylsden and had enough chances in that time to have secured the points.

Chris Shaw shot straight at keeper Morris when unmarked in the box; Graham Hill struck a post; Morris saved well from Paul Wheeler; Mark Schofield headed over and Keith Evans volleyed wide.

But it was Evans who eventually gave RMI the lead from the penalty spot after Shaw's goal-bound shot was handled by Tunnicliffe.

Then two goals just before the break gave Droylsden the boost they could scarcely believe. Schofield fouled Nisbett in the box and O'Callaghan scored from the spot and on the stroke of half-time Birch headed home Mellish's free kick.

Leigh threatened in the second half but without the conviction of the first and it was no surprise when the visitors sealed it three minutes from time. Edwards lost possession in midfield and O'Callaghan's pace took him clear before slotting past Dave Felgate into the corner.

There was no doubt where manager Steve Waywell put the blame. "Individual errors at the back cost us the game. We had dominated the opening stages, got the early breakthrough then two silly mistakes had us chasing the game.

"It was disappointing after all the new signings and the build-up had been so good," added Waywell.

The Railwaymen travel the short distance to Atherton LR tonight and Waywell will use the same 14 players as Saturday with Ridings and Kevin Booth looking to start.

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