LEIGH RMI take a one point lead at the top of the Unibond Premier Division into the Christmas campaign.

Saturday's game at Stalybridge was postponed - but they stay top thanks to last Tuesday's 2-0 win over Runcorn.

And the crunch games comes on Bank Holiday Monday when RMI travel to Marine, who are second having played a game more.

Two first-half goals against Runcorn sealed the points in the last soccer match at Hilton Park this century.

The first goal was as good as any. Dave Ridings started the move on half-way with a sweeping, inch-perfect pass to Tony Black.

Black then sent Steve Jones away; he drilled into the box before pulling the ball back to Ridings, who scored from close-range.

The game was as good as over in the 17th minute when Mick Wallace's in-swinging corner was headed home on the near post by Ricky Harris - his first goal for Leigh.

RMI lost Mark Ward just after the break - and their performance suffered.

"He is very influential," said boss Steve Waywell. "He has a terrific attitude and has made a massive difference to us."

Even so, Black could have had a second-half hat-trick but for good goalkeeping and poor finishing.

Liam Watson, an early season target for Leigh, hit the post for Runcorn late in the game, but, unlike recent home matches, RMI survived.

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