Leigh RMI 1 Northwich Victoria 0 by David Magilton: LEIGH won the Conference basement battle thanks to David McNiven's 24th strike of the season.
RMI's leading scorer claimed he had got a the final touch to Andy Roscoe's 30th minute free-kick, which was in any event curling into the top corner of the net.
The win, RMI's first in eight games, was just the end of season tonic they needed to ensure the wooden spoon went to Northwich.
Leigh had the better of the game, despite being hit by several injuries that forced manager Phil Starbuck to line up on the subs' bench, but failed to add a second which would have eased their nerves.
Mario Daniel was unlucky not to score from the second-half kick-off when he dribbled his way through before being denied by the keeper.
Ben Connett produced another superb save fending away a fierce drive from Rezai, but had an easier task when Steve Gunby shot straight at him.
The keeper produced his best save five minutes from time when he made a full length dive to turn McNiven's curling shot past the post.
The victory was just the boost the Railwaymen needed, admitted assistant manager Steve Redmond.
"It was an important win for us," he said. "We knew it would be a battle and the lads dug in and ground out a result in the end.
"We created more chances and defended well. It would have been nice to get another goal and put the game to bed, but unfortunately it never came."
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