Chester City 1 Leigh RMI 1

By Martyn Hindley

LEIGH RMI produced a typically gutsy performance at the Deva Stadium on Saturday to hold ex-Football League side Chester City to a draw for the second time in two seasons.

RMI - whose tally of seven wins on the road this season is bettered by only Dagenham, Yeovil and Boston United - were made to battle hard for the result though, falling behind as early as the seventh minute when Woodyatt's centre was headed home by ex-Hull City midfielder Gary Brabin, who was unchallenged by a visiting defence.

Leigh had already had a major let-off when Dean Spink was unable to convert McElhatton's tricky cross in the second minute and it seemed that the Railwaymen might be on the end of a hefty beating.

Unfazed by early events though, RMI gradually hauled themselves back into contention as the half progressed. Tony Black's shot was charged down by Brabin after Dave German's play on the left had helped create the opportunity.

Leigh were back on terms before half time and deservedly so. Michael Twiss powered his way down the right hand side and drilled a stunning effort past Wayne Brown to widespread acclaim from the Chester fans behind that goal.

Indeed, Leigh went on to take the upper hand in the early stages of the second half as Marcus Hallows - included in the starting line-up because of injury to Dino Maamria - skied a glorious chance awarded to him after Twiss had battled his way to the by-line. Black had another chance for the Railwaymen midway through the second half but his snap shot pulled a fine one-handed save from Wayne Brown and at the other end moments later, Beesley's low drive produced a similar stop from Westhead.

Beesley had a tremendous opportunity to break Leigh hearts right at the death but he could not connect fully with his header from Woodyatt's cross and the chance went begging.

It would have been harsh on the Railwaymen if they had come away from Chester without a point and by extending their unbeaten run to six games in the Conference.