Boston United 2 Leigh RMI 1: LEIGH RMI crashed to their 11th defeat of the season at York Street, despite outplaying Boston for the better part of the game.

Leigh welcomed Dave Ridings back to the fold after a 10-week injury absence, and last years Players Player of the Year settled into midfield well alongside the superb Ian Monk and grafting Ged Kielty.

Kielty it was whose initiative almost created the opening goal in the third minute when he brushed aside the challenge of Clifford to deliver a wicked cross into the penalty area that was inches away from the oncoming Michael Twiss. Kielty also tried his luck two minutes later when his volley was well targeted but comfortably saved by Paul Bastock in the Boston goal.

The first half yielded few other opportunities for either side with the hosts only chance coming from David Town's 35- yard free-kick which tested the agility of Mark Westhead.

The only other two moments of note came when Twiss was cautioned for a late tackle on Ross Weatherstone and Paul Ellender became the second name in the referee's notebook for a similarly clumsy clash with Monk.

At the start of the second half, Leigh gained the upper hand and could have taken the lead five minutes after the interval when Kielty dragged his shot across the face of goal and Twiss saw his effort blocked.

With almost the first Boston attack of the second period, the hosts grabbed the lead. Substitute Mark Angel was adjudged to have been brought down by Nicky Spooner and Darryl Clare made no mistake from the spot.

Unworried by the controversial nature of the opening goal, Leigh fought back bravely and looked likely to level soon after. Neil Fisher emerged from relative obscurity to fire wide after good work from Monk; Twiss should have done better when he was put through on two occasions by Kielty and Maamria headed over the bar from close range after Fisher's devilish cross.

On the back foot, Boston produced the goods for the second time and finished the game off 10 minutes from time. Anthony Elding found himself all alone to square for Town to slide the ball home.

Leigh were beaten but refused to lie down and scored a consolation seven minutes from the final whistle when Twiss picked up the loose ball to force home after Bastock's clearance had cannoned off Maamria.

Leigh drop to 16th place after the defeat, which incensed manager Steve Waywell. "We did not deserve to lose today. We were solid at the back and in midfield and caused them problems all afternoon. We were beaten by the officials. Both the penalty and the second goal were dubious and I cannot fault the lads today, despite the result."

Leigh now face a relegation six-pointer on Saturday when they travel to the capital to face Middlesex side Hayes at Church Road. Kick-off is at 3pm.