Leigh RMI 4 Barnet 2 - RMI like nothing better than to put one over on full-time opponents and a comprehensive win over Barnet was just the tonic they needed after suffering two defeats.

This was the part-timers third win of the season - all at Hilton Park - but was marked by a Jekyll and Hyde performance from striker Dino Maamria.

He grabbed his second hat-trick in three home games, but earlier blotted his copybook by giving away a needless penalty, which allowed a below-par Barnet back into the game.

RMI unveiled their new loan signing, the former Bolton Wanderers' winger Stuart Whittaker and the Chester City player made an immediate impact to provide the Railwaymen with an option they have lacked since the sale of Steve Jones two seasons ago.

Whittaker had a hand in the opening goal in the 29th minute when his cross found Andy Heald, who although fired straight at the 'keeper, did not miss a second time when the ball bounced back to him.

It was all Leigh deserved, but as the game moved into injury time in the first-half Maamria handled in the area and Ben Strevans blasted home from the spot. The Tunisian claimed he had been pushed in the back which forced his arms in the air when he touched the ball.

Whatever the reason he more than made amends quickstyle when he put RMI back in front before the referee could blow for time.

Phil Salt, such an inspiration in midfield, deceived the 'keeper with his cross and as RMI players queued up at the back post, Maamria nipped in to head home.

The whole-hearted striker was rewarded for a tireless performance in the 51st minute when he pounced on a poor back-pass from newly substituted Lee Gledhill and rounded the 'keeper before he slotted home.

The Railwaymen appeared home and dry, but sat back and suffered accordingly when Junior Agogo unleashed a 25 yards drive which deflected off Neil Fitzhenry passed Stuart Coburn's despairing dive.

Barnet recovered from 3-1 to grab a draw last season and a repeat looked on the cards until Maamria had the final say, six minutes from time, when he curled a left foot shot round the 'keeper.

Manager Steve Waywell was delighted with the result, his side's third win in eight outings.

"We only had four points at this stage last season so we have started much better," he said.