Although the Setanta Shield, a re-incarnated version of the old Conference League Cup, isn't likely to figure particularly high on RMI boss Stuart Humphreys' list of priorities, a second heavy defeat in succession is sure to provide a large dent in the confidence of his side, while the cheque of £1,500 to the winner of the tie would have provided welcome relief to Leigh's finances.

Holker Street was the scene of RMI's first league victory of the current season when Kevin Rapley and Dan Owen goals, coupled with a terrific defensive rearguard throughout the game, meant that Leigh could make the long trip home in satisfied mood, but such a result wasn't particularly likely to be repeated, and even less so when Chris Butler created a Nick Rogan goal, three minutes before the break, gave the hosts a half-time advantage.

With both sides seemingly happy to settle for a one-goal game, the pace of the encounter, or indeed the lack of it, resembled a training ground game at times before the tie was finally put to bed with twelve minutes remaining when Paul Brown gave Barrow a two goal cushion.

The score became a little more one-sided with four minutes left when Lee Woodyatt scored against his former side before Jason Walker chipped John Lamb with virtually the final kick of the game to ensure that Leigh conceded their eighth goal in the past three hours of football.

The Railwaymen will certainly have to improve on their past two outings in they are to get anything from Saturday's vital Blue Square North game at home to Solihull Moors (3pm kick off).

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