Southport 1 Leigh RMI 2

RMI survived a massive bombardment before finally emerging with their first-ever Nationwide Conference League points last night.

An astonishing rearguard action from RMI had Southport boss Mark Wright tearing his hair out in frustration. But despite the Sandgrounder's all-out assault, Leigh's defences stood firm.

At times it looked like Leigh would be taken apart but with central defenders Iain Swan and Jamie Udall two commanding figures and keeper Craig Dootson confident on his debut, they managed to repel all boarders.

Strangely, Leigh's victory came thanks to a couple of first half penalties and after two games RMI have still to score from open play. The pace of lone striker Tony Black won both decisions as Leigh mounted only a handful of first half raids.

Southport had made their intentions clear early on with ex-Liverpool man Mike Marsh, young winger Lee Elam and new striker Simon Parkes threatening to run riot.

Keeper Dootson, signed in the close season from Bamber Bridge and replacing the dropped Dave Felgate, almost gave a penalty away in the second minute when he appeared to clip Lee Furlong's ankle.

That set the tone for a one-sided first half in which Southport laid siege on the RMI goal.

Swan headed off the line from Scott Guyett, Parkes' low drive was turned away by Dootson and ex-Aston Villa defender Shaun Teale fizzed one over the top from 30 yards. Then there were the half chances...

Southport keeper Steve Dickinson was virtually redundant at the other end but he did have to make one smart save when Black broke free in the box.

That was an indication of what was to follow. A diagonal ball into the area saw Black try to flick it over Teale only for the central defender to use a hand. Black smashed in his second successive penalty off the underside of the bar. Another isolated Leigh raid brought spot kick number two. Guyett, beaten for pace by Black, took a swipe at the Leigh striker's ankles. Black had to limp off but Peter Cumiskey drilled RMI into a two-goal lead.

Manager Wright, the former Liverpool and England defender, again piled men forward in the hope of an early second half breakthrough.

Southport forced six corners in the first seven minutes as shots and headers flew across, over and wide Dootson's goal.

But having weathered that storm, Leigh set about playing their best attacking football of the game and might have wrapped it up even more conclusively.

Steve Jones came more into the game down the right and always posed a threat. Dave Ridings threaded one pass through and Jones whipped a shot wide of the far post and then when the little winger sprung the off-side trap he forced Dickinson to make a low save.

The introduction of ex-Wanderer Stuart Whittaker on the right gave Southport some width and it was from his supply of crosses that the home side almost snatch a draw.

But one attempt was disallowed for offside and Parke's 86th minute close ranger header was only consolation.

LEIGH: Dootson, Scott, Farrell, Udall, Swan, Harris, Kielty, Ridings, Cumiskey, Black, Jones. Subs: Reid, Durkin, German, Mason (for Black), Felgate.

Goals: Leigh - Black pen 14, Cumiskey pen 32. Southport - Parkes 86.

Half time 2-0. Full time 2-1.

Attendance: 1589.

Referee: Anthony McGee (Knowsley).