LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck remains defiant despite witnessing his side plunge to the bottom of the Conference.

The Railwaymen surrenderd a 2-0 lead in the 3-2 defeat to Tamworth at the weekend, but the manager firmly believes that survival is not a lost cause, despite his team's precarious position.

He said: "I am professional and the one thing I have learned is that this game can change. We are not half way through the season yet and there is still a long way to go.

"The team has shown they can compete with anybody, but it is all about doing it consistently and keeping our concentration.

"We have had a good start to the cup and hopefully we can win at Cambridge City on Saturday, but it is about picking up points in the league.

"We were in command against Tamworth and then defended too deep and it affected the whole team. We couldn't get out of our own half.

"I am not going to pack it in and the team is not going to lie down and die.

"I don't feel under pressure because I believe I am doing a good job. The players have the best coaching and preparation. It is a difficult position at Leigh with the link with the rugby and the small budget I have to work with. Our wages are the lowest in the league.

"The last place I want to be is bottom of the league, but if the Board say they want a change that is their perogative. They know how hard I work and the job I am trying to do.

"They have been superb and given me everything I have asked for within reason. I have no fear of worrying whether I will get the sack, because you can't be worried about things you can't change. Everybody leaves a club at some stage and obviously I hope it will be later rather than sooner."