Leigh RMI 4 Burton Albion 2 by David Magilton

STEVE Waywell knows his side can perform with the best in the Conference but was relieved to see them finally collect their first league points of the season.

RMI had gained little reward from two spirited displays at the start of the season and went into the game against newcomers Burton desperate to end their points drought.

Dino Maamria's first Conference hat-trick in a RMI shirt ensured Waywell went home happy and the Leigh boss is now looking for his side to consolidate on their impressive victory.

"We had played well in our first two games without any reward but everything came to fruition in this match," he said. "It is pleasing that we have played three quality sides and didn't deserve to lose any of the games and we can take encouragement from that.

"It is all about consistency and if we can get the players performing consistently they can beat anybody."

Waywell will be hoping for more performances like the one on Saturday. The Railwaymen bounced back from conceding a goal in the 14th minute when Steve Evans' shot hit a Leigh defender before it skidded out of the hands of keeper Stuart Coburn and over the line.

RMI were level two minutes later when Maamria grabbed his first when he pounced after the keeper had been unable to hold Andy Heald's fierce free-kick.

Five minutes later and the Tunisian striker finished off a breathtaking length of the field move when he tucked away Dominic Ludden's cross. The killer goal came a minute from the break when Heald hoofed the ball downfield and Maamria left the defence for dead before slotting the ball home.

Four minutes after the break and Maamria whipped off his shirt in celebration of a memorable treble when he drove home Ian Monk's cross.

Burton, who disappointed manager Nigel Clough after such an impressive start, were always second best and a 72nd minute striker from Paul Talbot was little consolation.