Leigh RMI 1 Accrington Stanley 2 by Robert Johnson: LEIGH RMI boss Phil Starbuck branded his team a disgrace after they slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Lancashire neighbours Accrington Stanley.

The Railwaymen were simply not good enough as Stanley strolled to an easy away day victory - and left Starbuck's men searching for their first victory at Hilton Park since the opening day of the season.

Stanley midfielder Andy Gouck struck first in the 14th minute and Paul Howarth scored in first half stoppage time, capitalising on sloppy defending by RMI.

David McNiven headed a consolation goal a minute from time, but it was too little too late from RMI, who failed to trouble Stanley throughout, in one of their worse performances of the season.

The defeat left Starbuck, pictured right, in no mood to enjoy the Christmas festivities.

Speaking after the game, he said: "I am very disappointed by the way we played, we were a disgrace. We lacked the passion and desire to win, the fundamentals which we need to win football matches. "There were 11 players on the pitch who all made bad decisions. There were a catalogue of errors throughout.

Accrington, who were buoyed by their giant killing acts in the FA Cup, were determined to pick up vital points in their promotion push, at RMI's expense.

The visitors adapted well to the atrocious conditions and soon found gaping gaps in RMI's midfield.

It was no surprise when Gouck scored for the visitors in the 14th minute. Peter Cavanagh floated a high cross in from the right, which was met by Gouck whose header was smothered by RMI's keeper Gary Kelly, but he made no mistake from the rebound.

RMI struggled to make any headway in the swirling rain and gale force winds - and they were punished by Stanley 90 seconds into first half stoppage time. Cavanagh again turned provider as he was given time to whip in a cross by RMI's static defence, and the unmarked Howarth found space to head Stanley's second goal.

Leigh were soon under the cosh in the second half, as Accrington won a corner just 30 seconds into the second half. But RMI rallied and had a chance to grab a vital goal in the 52nd minute. Substitute Carl Rezai, on for the injured Ian Fitzpatrick, fired a low shot from 30 yards which flew agonisingly past the post.

Starbuck threw on Warren Peyton on the hour mark but RMI failed to find any way past Stanley, who were content to sit back and defend.

David McNiven did manage to snatch a late goal for RMI. Andy Roscoe delivered a high cross into Stanley's goal, and McNiven found space to head his 15th goal of the season.