Leigh RMI 1 Stevenage 2: FOUR successive Conference defeats have added to the pressures mounting on Phil Starbuck, but Leigh's manager remains defiant that he can turn the club's fortunes around.

"I have never known anything like it in my time in football," he admitted.

"We were committed for 90 minutes, but refereeing decisions and the rub of the green go against us week in, week out."

Leigh needed to pick up the pieces following the 6-1 midweek mauling at home to Carlisle, and with veteran Paul Crichton making his debut in goal, looked a more solid defensive unit.

The former Grimsby keeper could do little to prevent Anthony Elding's deflected 25-yard shot which put Stevenage ahead on the half-hour, but he did produce a superb save to deny Brian Quailey from six yards out.

Leigh levelled on the hour, when tricky winger Gary Williams fed Gareth Stoker, and the RMI skipper cracked home a 20-yard drive for his third goal of the season.

But it was Stevenage who looked the more dangerous and, but for poor finishing, would have had a more comfortable win.

Leigh's attack posed little threat and it was left to Andy Roscoe's superb set-piece crosses to create any danger.

Former Leigh striker Dino Maamria was the man to deliver the telling blow in the 77th minute when he latched on to Matt Hocking's cross and swept it past a stranded keeper.