RMI grab a lifeline

10:51pm Sunday 16th March 2008

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leigh RMI 1 Alfreton 0

LEIGH responded to Steve Bleasdale's plea to show him grit and character by carving out a timely victory.

It was the Railwaymen's first victory in nine games, and although their chances of avoiding the drop are still slim, it gives them encouragement for the remainder of the season.

The manager asked his players if they wanted to play for him next season and there was no doubt they rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in, to notch up their first game without conceding a goal since September.

They battled hard against the mid-table visitors and restricted Alfreton to just a couple of late chances which they failed to take.

RMI created little themselves, however, but when the one chance of the game came their way Brad Maylett poked the ball home from short range with 20 minutes left to play.

A corner sailed to the far post where Matt Lawlor cut inside and shot at goal only for Maylott to make sure it crossed the line.

It was just the break Leigh needed and left their manager delighted with his side's application.

"What pleased me was the lads' character," said Bleasdale. "They worked 100 per cent, defended well and kept their shape, although there were not a lot of chances in the game.

"But when you are bottom of the league and you are scrapping and fighting you only get one or two chances and you have to put them away and we did."