LEIGH RMI are one win away from securing Nationwide Conference football next season.

A thrilling 5-3 win at Colwyn Bay leaves them needing just three points from their remaining three games.

It was a case of a little help from their friends on Easter Monday with the help of two own goals.

And, although title rivals Hyde beat Droylsden, nearest challengers Gateshead were held to a draw at home by Bishop Auckland.

RMI will lock up promotion if they beat Spennymoor on Saturday.

And the club will be hoping to uncork the champagne at Hilton Park on Bank Holiday Monday when they face Blythe Spartans.

Manager Steve Waywell used the same 14 that beat Stalybridge two days earlier and was soon rewarded when Brian Ross opened the scoring after only nine minutes. Mark Ward hit the woodwork and Ross was on hand to tap the rebound home.

Colwyn equalised in their first attack, catching RMI napping with a quick free kick to beat goalkeeper Dave Felgate.

But a minute later they were back in front. A dazzling run and cross by Steve Jones was finished off by Ged Kielty. Two goals in five minutes gave RMI a 4-1 interval lead. A Tony Black cross was run into his own net by Bryn Jones; then Jones cut inside, beat two defenders and fired home.

Bay edged back just after the break. RMI's fifth was another own goal; Black crossing, Mark Price heading past his own keeper.

An inability to clear their lines let Bay in again, but RMI had late chances to win by an even larger margin.

"We have to be happy scoring five away from home," said Waywell. "But, to be fair to them, they never gave up.

"It was certainly entertaining stuff for the spectators, but it was the poor defending that concerns me and my coaching staff."

There is no doubt, however, Waywell will settle for the three points at Spennymoor to create history for Leigh RMI -- no matter how they are achieved.