Margate 2 Leigh RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley

THE Leigh renaissance is over as the curse of the coast struck again for RMI.

The Hilton Park outfit have come away pointless from trips to Southport and Scarborough already this term and it was the same again.

A shocking opening quarter of an hour for Mark Patterson's boys ensured that relegation threatened gloom will continue to linger like the fog had done over the Crabble before kick off.

Margate have been disadvantaged this season by playing their matches at Dover, but for some players it was still a case of "Home Sweet Home". Former Dover hero Jake Leberl had a free kick cleared by Neil Durkin in the fifth minute, leaving Phil Collins to slam the rebound past Coburn from the edge of the box.

Dino Maamria twice found himself in promising positions - forcing a good reflex save from Phil Smith shortly after thudding a shot into the advertising hoardings.

In six pointers such as these though, guilt-edged misses are punished, and thanks to Jay Saunders that fate awaited the Railwaymen. Saunders dawdled momentarily in possession, but still managed to rifle a thunderous shot past Coburn from 25 yards to tie up the points.

The loss of Harrison after 16 minutes was the main reason RMI disappointed, admitted Patterson.

"When Gerry went off we lost our shape and his influence," Patterson acknowledged.

"He has been excellent for me since I have taken over and forms the backbone of the team.

"Unfortunately the injury is a recurring knee problem and I have told him to get it sorted out.

"We will be without him for a while but I will be looking for a replacement

"Before the game I told the players that the first 10-15 minutes would be crucial but we conceded a goal after five minutes.

"Thereafter we played well and made chances which was pleasing but in the second-half we were poor.

"Our passing was not good and set pieces, which are vital to our survival, were disappointing."