FANS who made the long trek to Blythe saw the best and worst of midfield star Dave Ridings during a 10-minute spell in Leigh RMI's 1-0 victory.

The former Crewe and Halifax player produced a goal that would have graced any football ground in the country.

But later he was involved in an ugly confrontation with Blythe skipper Mick Farrey which resulted in both players being sent off after only 36 minutes.

"He was running the game at the time and lost his head at a vital period and retaliated," said manager Steve Waywell.

"He deserved to be sent off and it could have cost us the points. But if he had stayed on there is no doubt we would have won more comfortably."

The all-important strike came 10 minutes before the big bust-up when Peter Smythe won a free kick 25 yards out. Ridings stepped up and slotted the ball into the top right hand corner.

It was a fitting finish. Ridings had dominated the opening stages and his dismissal was a major blow.

Farrey was guilty of using an elbow as Ridings moved into a dangerous position, but the midfield general showed his annoyance by throwing a punch and both players departed.

"It was a massive blow for us because we missed Ridings more than they missed Farrey and it then was down to Dave Felgate to see us through with some tremendous saves," added Waywell.

Incredibly, both keepers had top games with Felgate - who has played more than 750 League games - keeping RMI in front with a couple of super saves, and John Burridge, with about 800 league appearances under his belt, denying Lee Cryer on three occasions.

12X - Check out our local teams in action over the next week.

Saturday: Halifax Town v Leigh RMI (FA Cup, 2nd qualifying round), Warrington Town v Atherton Colls, Atherton LR v Ramsbottom United (NWCL Division One), Little Hulton United v Atherton Town (Manchester League, Premier Division), Pennington v Milton (Manchester League, Division One).

Tuesday: Workington v Leigh RMI (Unibond Challenge Cup, 1st round), Atherton Colls v Rossendale United, Burscough v Atherton LR (NWCL Division One).

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