Leigh RMI 2 Margate 2: THE 100 or so extra fans that answered Leigh's SOS were rewarded by a team performance that showed a determination to overcome the odds.

Cash-strapped RMI had appealed for stay-away supporters to turn out in force to prove the town really wanted a football club.

Sadly few heeded the call but the ones that did were treated to a never-say-die display.

The Railwaymen were the more inventive of the two sides and it took a desperately unlucky goal for them to go behind.

But just when it appeared things were not going their way Dave Ridings came to the rescue to crack home a 20 yards drive, six minutes from time, that gave his side a well-deserved point.

As RMI boss Steve Waywell admitted: "The season has been a nightmare for us and it is a miracle that we are where we are in the table considering the injuries and financial problems.

"I can't fault the players, they have worked really hard. We played a top team and have taken four points off them this season which proves we are not a bad side.

"We at least deserved a draw and it would have been an injustice if they had won."

Leigh had the edge in the first-half but found themselves 2-1 down at the interval. They went ahead in the 26th minute when Tony Black found Dino Maamria in the area and he unselfishly laid the ball square for Neil Fisher to tap it home.

Slack marking from a set-piece cost Leigh the equaliser in the 32nd minute when Simon Beard slipped his marker and a glancing header from Paul Lamb's free-kick gave the keeper no chance.

Lady Luck deserted Leigh four minutes later when an attempted clearance rebounded to Phil Collins. He had plenty of time but Mark Westhead superbly blocked his shot only for the ball to hit Andy Farrell's leg and roll over the line.

Fortunately Ridings had the final say when Fisher tapped a free-kick to him and he scored off the upright. Margate finished with ten men after Nick Roddis was sent off for a second bookable offence.