Leigh RMI 1 Stalybridge Celtic 1 by Robert Johnson: A SUPERB second half header from hitman David McNiven helped prevent Leigh RMI slipping to an embarrassing defeat against Unibond League side Stalybridge Celtic in the FA Trophy.

The Railwaymen fell behind in the 30th minute when Stalybridge striker Kenny Mayers rose above RMI's shaky defence and headed them into a first half lead.

But McNiven replied a minute after the restart with a spectacular header which ensured RMI a replay against their neighbours on Tuesday night.

It was Stalybridge though who dominated for much of the first half and had the chances to wrap up a memorable giantkilling against a misfiring RMI

outfit. RMI boss Phil Starbuck said he was relieved his side were still in the Trophy - but branded the first half performance not good enough.

Starbuck said: "The first half performance was disappointing again. I've come to the conclusion that some of our players out there are not good enough.

"It was a great cross and good header from McNiven for the equaliser. I thought we would have gone on from there and won. There was a lot of hard work out there in the second half, but not a lot of thought with the final ball.

RMI started without assistant player boss Steve Redmond who was out with the flu. Former Bury FC goalkeeper Seb Rowe made his RMI debut after Gary Kelly was sidelined with a broken thumb and Ian Martin was cup tied.

Leigh had the first chance of the game in the eighth minute. McNiven battled hard on the edge of Stalybridge's box and flicked the ball to Warren

Peyton, who could only drill his shot low and wide.

Stalybridge took control of the first half as they dominated RMI's midfield and always had the defence under the cosh. And Mayers, who proved to be a thorn in RMI's side all afternoon, finally finished one his chances after 30 minutes. Jerome Fitzgerald delivered a perfect cross for Mayers who then powered a firm header past a despairing Rowe.

Starbuck rang the changes at half-time, hauling off Gerry Harrison and rookie striker Mario Daniel for Ged Kielty and Carl Barrowclough. And the tactical switch worked wonders just a minute later. Damien Whitehead scurried down the left wing and swung in a perfect header for McNiven who made no mistake with a glancing header past Stalybridge goalkeeper Craig Dootson.

Stalybridge should have wrapped the tie up after 69 minutes. Ex-RMI player Andy Heald made a surging run on the left and he drilled a low 30 yard shot past a beaten Rowe, but the ball ricocheted off the post. Mayers spurned the last chance five minutes from time when he controlled a cross and fired wide from six yards.