LEIGH RMI went into their final home game of the season on Easter Monday afternoon knowing that victory would almost guarantee them a place in next season's Conference.
But Johnathan Allan's second-half strike ensured Northwich left Leigh with a point from a draw.
Then RMI's Wayne Maden was sent off in stoppage time for his second bookable offence.
Leigh opened the scoring from their first attack, Ian Monk slotting the ball home after being found by Neil Prince six yards out.
RMI keeper Stuart Coburn was forced into a rare save by Allan before he was beaten by the same player 10 minutes into the second half.
Richard Norris created space on the right flank and crossed for Allan to fire the ball into the top right corner of the net from the edge of the penalty area.
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