LEIGH RMI are out of the Umbro FA Trophy.

They were dumped 4-3 by Grantham in a dramatic penalty shoot-out after a tense replay at Hilton Park on Monday.

But they know they should have wrapped it up in the first match.

Former Nottingham Forest star, Gary Mills, now player-manager at Grantham, was spot-on when he said RMI had missed their chance first time up.

"They were the better side when they came to us," he said.

It was, however, an ironic way to finish the tie. Grantham have struggled with penalties all season - and even missed one in the 95th minute of normal time.

Dave Taylor, who blasted hopelessly wide, declined to take part in the final shooutout!

Chris Shaw, Lee Cryer and Mick Wallace put Leigh ahead, Dave Felgate made a tremendous save, but Keith Evans and Simon Kay both missed and it was left to Dave King to send Grantham through to meet Bath in the next round.

Earlier, RMI thought they had broken the deadlock when Evans hit the bar and Peter Smyth's follow-up header looked to be over the line, before goalkeeper Steve Sutton clawed the ball away.

Leigh manager Steve Waywell said: "We had the opportunities in the first match to go through but we didn't take them."

LEIGH RMI closed the gap on leaders Barrow with another polished display, beating Chorley 2-0.

They are way behind in the fixtures but another three points keeps their title aspirations alive as the Cumbrians could manage only a draw.

Both goals came in the first half and were timed to perfection.

The first after just 10 minutes was a delight as Dave Ridings fed a through ball for non-stop Chris Shaw to run onto. He took it wide before crossing at a tight angle for fellow striker Keith Evans to head home.

The second came just on the stroke of half-time and was another superb effort. Martin James swung in a tantalising cross for Shaw's header to loop over the keeper.

The goal was just what RMI needed. They had sat back too much, allowing the visitors more time and space than they deserved - as manager Steve Waywell admitted.

"They caused us a few problems in the first half because we were not getting out quick enough," he said. "We sat back too much.

"But we scored two great goals and the lads are full of confidence and look comfortable and organised."

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