Leigh RMI 2, Yeovil Town 4 by Martyn Hindley

LEIGH Centurions' mascot Parky Pig made his round-ball debut at Hilton Park but it wasn't enough to prevent another defeat for RMI against professional opposition.

Yeovil Town have never dropped a point against Steve Waywell's men since Leigh were promoted to the Conference in summer 2000, and although they made a valiant stab at it on Saturday, the history books were never likely to need re-writing.

And the legendary Centurions mascot was on hand to see quite a rivetting story unfold after being drafted in to add some much-needed razzamatazz to match days.

Leigh started off the season in fine style but after resounding defeats and dismal performances against both Farnborough Town and Scarborough in the week leading up to this match, RMI desperately needed some confidence-boosting innovation.

It came at the wrong end though as Terry Skiverton - often a thorn in Waywell's side - stole in at the back post after just five minutes and smashed the ball home following a corner. Fans' heads were dropping in anticipation of a rout.

Yet despite Town's lofty status at the top of the Conference tree, RMI would not lie down. They were back on terms within four minutes as Ged Kielty swept home from close range and came close to going ahead when Andy Heald's free kick tested Jon Sheffield in the visiting goal.

The Somerset side always looked in control, even with the scores tied. But it was pleasing to see how some individuals had responded to criticism of their performances in midweek.

Kielty offered his best display of the season to date alongside 'Mr Consistency' Phil Salt.

Defensively though, the Railwaymen are illustrating a worrying lack of composure. Michael McIndoe's punishing drive from the edge of the area re-established the Yeovil lead six minutes into the second half and worse was to follow three minutes later when Neil Fitzhenry dragged down Gavin Williams for a cast-iron penalty.

Stuart Coburn pulled off his now customary heroics by saving Crittenden's spot-kick but the striker was first to the rebound and made no mistake second time round.

Leigh had fallen asleep to the situation but doubled the indiscretion 20 minutes from time. Coburn was saved from a red card by the presence of a defender on the line as he upended Williams and escaped with a yellow card, and the ex-Altrincham man thought he had got away with it when he palmed away Crittenden's second penalty. Carl Alford slammed home the loose ball for a Town fourth.

It was pretty comfortable for the Glovers despite the fact that Stuart Whittaker had sneaked an RMI second midway through the half after good work down the right by Dino Maamria - who is more accustomed to the role of goal-scorer than provider.

RMI have now dropped to second bottom in the table.