LEIGH will not need reminding their first home defeat of the season was largely self-inflicted.

The evidence was plain to see in Good Friday's 23-22 upset against Widnes. They were their own worst enemies with too many errors at crucial times.

Coach Ian Millward is, however, far from downhearted. "We've again shown we can compete with the best teams in this division," he declared.

But he also acknowledged victory had been thrown away, especially after Widnes winger Damien Munro was sent off a minute from half-time.

"We got ourselves into a position to win the game but we inflicted a few wounds on ourselves and paid the price," he added. "We're not yet in a position to play the perfect game of rugby.

"Widnes were wounded, and, instead of finishing them off, we helped them back into it."

Widnes found too many holes in the Leigh defence for Millward's liking, and he admitted they had to come up with a plan to combat the short kick-off which was used to good effect and directly led to two of the four tries conceded.

"It's something we must address quickly," he said.

Leigh made a slow start and were nine points down by the 23rd minute.

Craig Dean began Leigh's recovery when his short ball sent Tim Street clattering through for a try that sparked a goal-line free-for-all that referee Peter Gilmore had little option but to put on report.

Paul Wingfield added the first of his three goals before another Widnes penalty kept their noses in front.

But, on the stroke of half-time, Dean's kick to the corner led to David Ingram diving in for a touchdown that sparked another punch-up, this time ending with a red card for Munro.

Leigh hit the front for the first time when Dean's long ball found the eager Andy Fairclough who scored.

But Leigh were quickly caught out from the short kick-off: 17-16 to Widnes.

As both teams went at it hammer and tongs Leigh crept back in front when a rip-roaring attack, started by Stuart Donlan, ended with Fairclough going under the posts.

Donlan capped a great game with great defence, but Leigh just couldn't hold on for the win.

LEIGH: Donlan; Wingfield, K Purtill, Kendrick, Ingram; Patel, Dean; Street, Murray, Whittle, Kennedy, Liku, Fairclough. Subs: Arkwright, Bowker, Pucill, Norman. Attendance: 2,750.

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