Morecambe 1 RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley: DILIGENT and resolute at the back, Leigh's run of games without a win was extended to five as ill fortune saw the resistance snapped by two late Morecambe penalties.
With eight minutes to go, RMI looked value for the goalless scoreline, after harassing and frustrating their opponents who had won their last eight Conference games at Christie Park.
But then Garry Thompson clattered into Nicky Hill after cutting inside from the right, and Stewart Drummond's spot kick was pushed onto the post by Stuart Coburn, before Martyn Lancaster hacked to safety.
Leigh's luck ran out three minutes from time though when Adriano Rigoglioso thumped the ball against Hill's hands and a second penalty was awarded. After a solid night, Hill must have wondered what he had done to deserve such consequences and so must his team-mates once Rigoglioso had slammed in the winner from 12 yards.
The Railwaymen had excelled defensively to stifle the Shrimps until that point - Morecambe were limited to long range efforts before half time, edging in simple saves for Coburn from Thompson and Wayne Curtis. But Leigh found the going much tougher when the hosts stepped up the pace after the interval.
Rigoglioso's snap shot on the turn was pushed round the post by Coburn -- who was eager to prove a point after being dropped against Tamworth. Then, Curtis arrived at the back post to nod Chris Lane's cross over the top. But Durkin and Lancaster were immaculate at the heart of defence, and the work-rate of assistant manager Phil Starbuck up front almost produced a shock goal on the counter attack. Dave McNiven lived to rue the moment when he squeezed wide of the target after being fed by Starbuck's clever through ball.
Patterson herded his players away from the referee at full time, but his frustrations were clear.
Having looked value for a draw, his side now find themselves in the bottom six.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article