Workington 1 Leigh RMI 1

AN under strength Leigh RMI came from behind to earn a replay at Workington last night in the first round of the Unibond Challenge Cup.

With only five first team regulars available and only 12 players on duty, manager Steve Waywell was delighted with the performance. "It was the best attitude I have seen since I came to the club, he said after being forced to blood three teenagers.

Neil Wallace, Darren Hilton and Andy Chadwick all made their debuts and it was the introduction of Chadwick at half-time that turned the game Leigh's way.

Hilton had hit the bar with a fierce header before the Railwaymen fell behind on the half hour. Peter Smythe lost possession just outside his own penalty area and Cooper beat Dave Felgate from just inside the box.

Chadwick replaced Hilton at the break and RMI took control but they had to wait until 15 minutes from time before they equalised and it was Smythe who redeemed himself after his earlier error.

He produced a defence-splitting pass for stand-in striker Dave Ridings to finish in style.

"Considering how under-strength we were and with only one substitute it was a performance that everyone can be pround of and in the end we deserved another bite at the cherry," added Waywell.

The replay will be on Saturday week.

Waywell has wasted no time in appointing an assistant. Just two days after Kevin Booth left the club he has named Kevan Keelan as his number two.

Keelan has vast experience in non-league football. He played at Stalybridge and Mosley before going on to manage both clubs along with Ashton United.

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