Stevenage 4 Leigh RMI 0 by David Magilton: REPORTS that Mark Patterson has just two games to turn Leigh's fortunes around have been firmly denied by chairman Bill Taylor.

A one point return from six games has put the manager under increasing pressure but the RMI chief says that the Board are fully behind Patterson.

"We have never spoken to Mark about him being sacked," said Taylor. "We have had a couple of meetings regarding players but that is it. I think Mark is doing a good job. A few of the fans don't understand the position. When you get only 300 and odd people watching a Conference match you can't keep spending money and getting players. He is bringing better players in but it takes time. It can't be done overnight.

"We back Mark 100 per cent but you could bring Alex Ferguson in and I don't think it would make any difference at the moment."

Patterson says he is as determined as ever to see the job through.

"We have to stick together and battle through this," said the manager. "As far as I am concerned it makes me stronger. The boys showed they had character against Morecambe last week and we have to bounce back. I am not going to shirk away from a challenge like this. I came here last season when we were only going one way. I turned things around and we stayed up. It is a similar situation this season but it will take time to gel.

"I am not going to start panicking, I know what is required. We have to pull together . I want my directors to show support and stick together and I am sure that is what they will do. The job I have got is the hardest in the Conference and the last thing I need is to read reports undermining my position."

As to the Gravesend defeat, Patterson said that his side are just not getting the rub of the green.

"The result was very disappointing but with such a small squad we are finding it difficult and could only put three subs on the bench," he said.

"We conceded a sloppy first goal but for the second goal the lad was two yards offside at least. You can't do anything about that but it is the third successive game that a decision by the official has cost us dearly.

"It took the pressure off them and we went chasing the game and they scored two late goals. We are going through a bad patch and anything that could go against us is doing. We had a great chance to score early on but David McNiven missed a sitter and that would have made a big difference as you don't get many opportunites against a side like Stevenage."

Graham Westley's side went ahead after 26 minutes when Anthony Elding fired home before Battersby put them two up. Justin Richards added another goal with 10 minutes left when his low shot found the net and Elding scored his second to make it eight for the season.