LEIGH RMI's promotion hopes were dealt a further setback when they lost 2-1 at Ashton United last night.

It was their second defeat in three days, having lost by the same margin at Matlock on Saturday and now they have only taken one point out of a possible nine from their last three games.

Although over-run in a one-sided first half, the Railwaymen appeared to be going in at half time on level terms until two super strikes in as many minutes gave Ashton a deserved lead.

Paddy Wilson found John Coleman with a great cross-field pass in the 43rd minute and Coleman's first time shot flew across Dave Felgate into the far corner. On the stroke of half time, Graham Hill conceded a free kick out on the right and when John Brown played the ball in, Terry Williams spectacularly volleyed past Felgate into the far top corner.

RMI improved in the second half but had to wait until the 77th minute to pull a goal back.

Sub Steven Shaughnessy replaced Chris Bermingham and immediately capitalised on a mix up between defender Chris Woods and keeper John McKenna to score his first goal for the Railwaymen with his first touch.

"Although we are still in a good position having only lost three league matches all season, we need to win our games in hand and at the moment we don't look like doing that," said manager Steve Waywell.

"We haven't played well since the long break for bad weather and we need to get back to basics. There comes a time in a season when players have to roll their sleeves up and battle, especially for the second ball, and that time has arrived for us."

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