Dover 1 Leigh RMI 2

CHORUS creation has been a well noted occupation of the Leigh RMI faithful during their maiden Conference voyage writes Martyn Hindley

Having already received the accolade of seasons' best away fans from Millwall supporters in November, dedicated batallions of Railwaymen resisted the lure of the lie-in to spur their side on to victory at Dover Athletic.

Early enthusiasm though was muted as early as the ninth minute. Matt Carruthers provided a superb centre, which, having been directed goalbound by Neil Le Bihan was finally headed home by Simon Beard.

But Leigh - chances ridiculed by both pundits and themselves back in August - mocked pre-championship odds of 150/1 with a stirring resurgence that exuded all of the confidence gained by being top of the form league.

Steve Jones had celebrated his call-up to the England semi-professional set up with a quiet opening 15 minutes, but it was his foresight and ingenuity that enlightened the travelling army once more.

He had given Steve Norman a torrid time to cut inside and unleash a rasping effort that Paul Hyde could only parry. Tony Black's follow-up from four yards was blocked by Stuart Munday and Dave Ridings crashed home the leveller from 10 yards.

From that point, the Railwaymen stole the initiative without really creating the opportunities their overwhelming possession deserved. Ian Monk enjoyed the only other chance of the half when he blazed over from close range.

Competitive

The competitive nature of the game heightened the anticipation of a continually two-sided second half. Black was cautioned for kicking the ball away, and Andy Farrell's persistent fouling was rewarded with another yellow card.

Defender Neil Durkin was also shown the yellow card in the second period with the hosts threatening to record a second goal. Danny Hockton drilled over the top whilst Carruthers failed to test Felgate with 22-yard efforts of his own.

The critical moment arrived with just 19 minutes remaining. Jones looked to have lost the chance when he went away from goal in rounding the goalkeeper, but sent the travelling army into ecstasy by netting from the most acute of angles.

And so, the Leigh faithful started their return trip of 300 miles in the altogether vain hope of returning ahead of Friday evening's Conference clash with Hererford United. The Hilton Park tie will be the fourth meeting between the two sides this season, with Steve Waywell's men hoping to reverse the defeat in February's FA Trophy encounter.

RMI: Felgate, Spooner, Trees, Durkin, Farrell, Swan, Monk, Ridings, Kielty, Black, Jones. Booked: Durkin, Black, Farrell. Attendance:929.