LEIGH’S plight at the foot of the Unibond Premier League inceased after another defeat left them seven points adrift of safety.

With Genesis manager Lee Merricks in Singapore on duty with Manchester United youngsters, assistant Lee Doherty was left in charge.

In an even first half, both sides had their goalscoring opportunities but neither managed to break the deadlock, with Leigh forced in to reorganisation on the half-hour mark when striker Chris Thompson withdrew through injury, allowing former Vauxhall Motors frontman David Roberts to make his Genesis debut from the substitutes bench.

Having hosted three ‘home’ fixtures at Hurst Cross during the course of the season, Genesis could be forgiven for almost feeling at home, but they fell behind to Ashton in the 52nd minute when midfielder Ian Bennett latched on to a through ball to score.

Ashton their victory in the 87th minute when a mix-up between Dean Porter and defender Alex Cunliffe saw the ball rebound to Rod Thornley, who made no mistake in lobbing the keeper.

Genesis visit Kendal Town tomorrow before travelling over the Pennines on Saturday to take on big-spending Bradford Park Avenue.

FC United went down to a 2-1 defeat at Matlock, Carlos Roca scoring their goal.

Defeat was harsh on United keeper Sam Ashton, who saved two penalties during the game.

Goals from Craig Dawson and Adam Roscoe gave Radcliffe Borough their first league win since January 27.

Dawson’s 13th minute strike, and Roscoe’s on the half-hour, moved Boro up from second bottom of the table, at the expense of Saturday’s opponents Rossendale United.

Boro host Durham City tonight, kick off 7.45pm.