Southport 3 Leigh RMI 4 - NEIL Tolson has played less than 45 minutes in a Leigh RMI shirt but he etched his name into club folklore with a memorable winner at Haig Avenue.

The first round LDV Vans Trophy battle with fellow Conference side Southport looked destined for extra-time until the ex-Bradford City and Oldham forward wrapped his left boot around a looping loose ball two minutes from time and unleashed a thunderous volley past Steve Dickinson.

The Railwaymen are starting to hit some form in the league at the moment, which explains their positive and patient retort to going behind in the ninth minute. RMI invited Steve Whitehall to shoot after relenting at the back, and he did not decline the offer to bag the first of a hat-trick.

Southport turned the previous meeting between these sides on it's head with goals immediately before the interval and Leigh took a leaf out of their book to do the same.

Wayne Maden wildly dragged his shot across the penalty area, but it fortuitously found Ged Kielty after a deflection off Dino Maamria, and the midfielder slotted home his fourth in six games with an almost unheard of confidence.

Leigh continued to ride their luck after the break when Dean Howell agonisingly put through his own goal, but there was nothing streaky about the extension of that margin as Phil Salt crashed a free-kick into the bottom corner with the goalkeeper stranded.

All looked done and dusted for the Railwaymen but with a few minds looking toward Saturday's FA Cup tie allied to the introduction of the problematic Marc Lloyd-Williams, 'Port dragged themselves back into the hunt.

Ian Nolan squared for Whitehall's second and he tapped in to collect the matchball six minutes later after Lloyd-Williams' shot had ricocheted off Coburn's legs.

RMI had the last laugh before the heartache of golden goal could hit home for the second season running. They go into Saturday's draw with a league team virtually guaranteed as only Doncaster Rovers of the Conference progressed through the Northern Section last night.