TWO wins in two matches have given Leigh RMI a timely lift.

But don't shout too loud. Not just yet.

On Saturday they won their first home league game since September; in midweek they beat a weakened Altrincham in the President's Cup replay.

Astonishingly, RMI almost gave it away at the weekend after establishing a two-goal lead against Blythe Spartans, finally hanging on for a 3-2 win.

Youngster Liam Carr struck the killer blow to end the side's unenviable record, but the performance was lacklustre with RMI a shadow of the side that did so well against Fulham earlier in the season.

They scored after just 90 seconds when Mick Wallace's curling free-kick found Neil Matthews unmarked and he nodded home at the far post.

On 20 minutes gone Ian Monk was needlessly upended on the edge of the box and Matthews stepped up to blast the ball home.

Spartans hit back to level and could have been ahead but for keeper Dave Felgate's penalty save.

But Carr had the final say, rifling the ball home after Dave Ridings had put him clear.

Meanwhile, RMI's only realistic hope of bringing home silverware is still alive 'n kicking.

They beat Altrincham 2-1 and now face Runcorn in a two-leg semi-final with two goals for Matthews to double his tally in a barren five-month spell.

The striker, who started the season scoring eight goals in the first 10 matches, was glad to be on the scoresheet, but disappointed he didn't complete a hat-trick.

"I had a couple of good chances before I opened the scoring," he said. "But after I got my second opportunities for a third never came along.

"I want to go on and finish the season as I started it. I have confidence in my own ability to make something out of nothing."

Our picture shows goalkeeper Dave Felgate making a fine save in the match against Blythe Spartans.

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