LEIGH RMI produced a superb last day show to frustrate their supporters into a feeling of what might have been after their 3-1 win at Gateshead.

They finish eighth to guarantee a place in next season's President's Cup - but hopes of a higher league position were dashed by poor home form.

They have taken 35 points on their travels, including 10 wins, while champions Altrincham have picked up only one more win and one more point away from Moss Lane.

RMI's poor home return is just 28 points.

And that will be a major factor in boss Steve Waywell's strategy when he draws up his retained list for next season.

"Our home form needs addressing," he said. "Our last three games at Hilton Park underlined that.

"We should have won all three without any problem - and that would have taken us into contention."

Leigh got off to a dream start at Gateshead with Tony Black's seventh minute strike, running onto a defence-splitting pass from Tony Whealing to score.

The North East side recovered to make the most of Stuart Locke's dangerous pass across his own area and equalise.

RMI weathered the storm, and hit back with two goals in six minutes.

An Ian Monk cross was headed against the bar by Neil Matthews and Dave Ridings was on the spot to head the rebound home; then Monk and Black combined for Keith Evans to head home.

"It was an encouraging performance, and proves, with a few additions, we have the backbone of a good side," added Waywell.

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