Leigh RMI 1 Southport 1 by David Magilton

RMI demonstrated just the kind of battling qualities manager Mark Patterson has been craving for as they salvaged a precious point to help in their fight for survival.

They would have preferred three points but after going a goal down and creating little in the way of clear-cut chances, RMI boss Mark Patterson was more than happy with a draw.

"I am delighted, " he said. "We came from a goal down and it just shows how much we have come on because at Christmas time we would have caved in. Instead we pulled a goal back and I am delighted with that.

"I thought our midfield used the ball well, but what disappointed me was the final ball. Their keeper took it under the crossbar half a dozen times which is not acceptable."

With the addition of Mark Ford, on loan from Darlington, the midfield looked a more solid unit but Patterson's decision to play Neil Durkin at wing back backfired in the 24th minute when Robert Pell's neat pass found Dean Howell. The Southport danger man was too sharp for the defender and created space in the box before he blasted the ball home.

The Railwaymen quickly reverted to a 4-4-2 and Howell's ability to expose Leigh's right flank was quickly diminished. The visitors could have made it two a minute from the break when Steve Jones gave himself space only to blast straight at Stuart Coburn.

RMI created few chances but Ged Courtney came close when he forced the keeper into a spectacular diving save before they grabbed the equaliser in the 59th minute after good work from Phil Salt, who crossed and unsettled striker Dino Maamria flicked the ball back across the area for Ian Monk to pounce and fire home.

The visitors had a couple more chances when Steve Pickford blasted over and Durkin cleared off his own line but RMI were not to be denied their deserved point.