Lancaster 2 Leigh RMI 2CITY produced a great performance against Leigh RMI in the Lancashire Marsden Challenge Trophy on Tuesday. A Bryan Welch strike put the quarter-final tie into extra time before Dean Martin put City ahead. But the Conference side snatched a late equaliser to salvage a replay.

The City defence failed to learn from Saturday and once again conceded after just 2 minutes. Monk crossed from the right for the unmarked Tony Black who easily nodded home from close range.

Leigh knocked the ball about well and City soon realised they'd have to improve if they were going to challenge the high flying Conference outfit.

Brian Butler, back after injury, was industrious and energetic throughout. His powerful volley was well turned over by Dave Felgate.

Ward then caught Durkin napping and took his time before Felgate blocked his first effort. But his second effort appeared to have crossed the line before a Leigh defender cleared.

The game could have gone either way in the second half. City were desperately pushing forward and also leaving space for the Leigh attack. But City deserved an equaliser and it came on 72 mins. A Kilbane cross was not cleared properly and Welch slammed in a half volley from the edge of the box.

Then, after getting back into the game, City nearly threw it away. Sub Matthews squared for Jones but Thornley did brilliantly to block his shot.

City looked the most threatening in extra time. Jimmy Graham put a corner right in Martin's path whose header came down off the bar before going in.

But City's defence began to tire and they leaked a couple of chances during the second period and with just minutes remaining the decisive goal came. Sparrow blocked a Monk centre but Ged Murphy slammed the loose ball past Thornley to end an enthralling cup tie.

Team: M Thornley, P Sparrow, J Graham, L Clitheroe, F Kilbane, K Mayers, D Martin, B Butler (P Haddow), C Ward, B Welch, C Potts. Unused Subs: P Brown, I Dickinson, S Clitheroe, C Sharrock.