LEIGH'S Alliance side continued its Division One play-off surge with a 34-24 victory over one of their main rivals, Rochdale, at Hilton Park.

Rochdale made a whirlwind start to the game and inside 25 minute they had crossed three times for an 18-6 lead. Leigh's only response was a sixth minute effort from full-back Neil Donlan.

Leigh looked headed towards their first defeat in five games until Lee Sanderson took matters into his own hands and levelled the game before half time with a two-try blast.

Sanderson's quick thinking brought him a third try and put Leigh ahead 24-18.

Sanderson was withdrawn in the 50th minute and Leigh's attack became disjointed and the error-rate increased. But two tries from Jason Johnson midway through the half, made sure the points Leigh's. Craig Wingfield added one conversion.

The Alliance side could secure runners-up spot in the table tomorrow if they beat Keighley at Hilton Park, kick off 2.30pm.

The Academy are back in action on Sunday when Gateshead are the visitors to Hilton Park, kick off 12.45pm.