Scarborough 1 Leigh RMI 1

LEIGH RMI have a resurgent Ian Monk to thank for maintaining their unbeaten record in the New Year, as it was his late volley that ended Scarborough's good run, writes Martyn Hindley

It was a game in which they were easily outplayed for the first 70 minutes.

David Pounder's flag-kick was headed goalbound and Rennison capitalised on Felgate's fumble to stab home. It could have been much worse for RMI had Danny Brunton's close range effort not been denied by Monk's desperate defending on the line.

Ellender directed a point-blank header at Felgate, who produced a fine reflex save, but with the early exit of Brodie, who seemed to have picked up a knock, Scarborough's initiative was lost, and Leigh gradually worked themselves back into the game.

Jones was unlucky not to level the scores on 55 minutes when his close range effort was cleared off the line by Gareth Stoker amid frenzied appeals for handball, and the flame-haired winger should have played Morrell through when unmarked, as the ex-Altrincham star looked certain to score.

On the 12th day of Christmas, it seemed that festive spirit had been extended beyond all boundaries of belief to create RMI's equaliser. Kielty's corner seemed harmless until Ellender and Priestley collided, and Monk athletically volleyed the ball home from the edge of the penalty area to secure a point. It was no more than Steve Waywell's men deserved. Yet with four minutes remaining, both sides had chances to grab all three.

Felgate's calamitous clearance under minimal pressure found young substitute Stuart Morris whose effort from a tight angle was foiled by Dave German with Windross wailing uncontrollably for the ball that would certainly have demanded a winner. Amidst the late drama at the other end, Monk failed to convert Jones's centre, and Ridings' drive was deflected over the bar.

Action was still reigning at the final whistle, that signified the end of 270 minutes of fantastic football between the two sides this season. Leigh now take a brief break from league action until 20 January when they face basement battlers Kettering Town. Hilton Park plays host to an FA Trophy tie before that, when RMI face former Unibond adversaries Hucknall Town.