Leigh RMI 1 Stevenage 2 TROUBLED Leigh continued their rough ride at the start of the season with yet another setback.

Desperate for at least a point to boost their disappointing tally, Leigh thought they had earned a draw on Saturday until a goal five minutes from time dealt them another body blow.

RMI are reeling from a string of injuries to key players but just when they needed Lady Luck on their side she deserted them.

Dave German contributed to the downfall when he needlessly gave away a penalty which allowed Stevenage back into the game after Leigh had gone ahead on the stroke of half-time.

Nicky Spooner whipped in a telling cross and Dino Maamria was left unmarked and the Tunisian headed home his fourth goal of the season.

Stevenge had dominated possession without causing too many problems, but when German upended Martin Williams in the area Adrian Clarke slotted home the penalty in the 56th minute.

Both sides had chances to score but with five minutes remaining a draw looked on the cards until Chris Tate, playing his first game after moving on loan from Orient, headed home Sam McMahon's corner. Tate had been the 'man most likely to' all the game and it was only fitting that he should grab the winner, although his joy was shortlived as he was shown the red card three minutes later for a second bookable offence.

It left manager Steve Waywell in despair after his side had crashed to their fourth successive defeat,

"We were doing well until Dave German lost his head and it cost us the game," he said. "It was a scandalous penalty to give away. It is down to individuals again and it is costing us. You can't have seven or eight players out and it not make a big difference."