After a hard-working cameo appearance in the controversial 1-0 defeat to local rivals Southport, striker Mark Jackson found himself back in the Leigh starting line up, with Kieran Lugsden moving to the wing as a replacement for the missing Steve Settle, while, for the second game in succession, Andy Heald partnered Scott Willis in the heart of the RMI midfield in the absence of Phil Charnock.

The balance of a relatively tame opening half was tipped firmly the way of Worcester when, not for the first time this season, the Leigh defence were found guilty of failing to effectively mark their opponents at a corner kick, leaving Adam Webster to head his side in front when left unopposed at the back post after thirty seven minutes of play.

While last Friday evening saw RMI’s defeat to the high-flying Sandgrounders, Worcester went in to the game on the crest of a wave after a 1-1 draw with promotion-chasing Harrogate Town was followed by last weekend’s impressive 2-0 victory at Tamworth, and that element of confidence was in evidence as the start of the second half saw the hosts looking to increase their advantage.

RMI goalkeeper John Lamb once again found himself at the centre of attention when he managed to pull off a terrific save, although minutes earlier he was left grateful for the intervention of his crossbar in keeping the hosts, who featured ex-RMI man Ryan Clarke, at bay.

Such plausible efforts, however, can sometimes prove to be futile as RMI once again found themselves blaming their inability to cope with their set-piece Achilles heel, with Gavin Lee-Ellison failing to properly clear a free kick, leaving Chris Smith to put the ball in to the net and double his side’s advantage.

Making appearances from the Leigh substitutes bench for the final third of the game were centre back Mark Maddox, his first appearance of the season, and forward Gary Williams, playing in the third RMI ‘debut’ of his career.

Their appearances did little to sway the tide, though, and Worcester were three goals to the good with twenty five minutes remaining when ex-Manchester United and Bury man George Clegg scored from the penalty spot.

RMI did eventually find themselves on the scoresheet in stoppage time when a neat Kevin Rapley finish, his fourth goal of the season, rewarded some good work from Andy Heald in the midst of some smart build-up play, but it proved too little too late. In contrast to this week’s cricketing action as autumn slowly arrives, the Lancastrians found themselves comfortably defeated by their Worcestershire counterparts.

In the end, RMI found themselves well-beaten and will now have to quickly pick themselves up ahead of a hugely vital encounter on Tuesday evening when basement side Hucknall Town visit Hilton Park (7:45pm) in a crunch fixture.

 

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