Although it was mid-table Redditch that posed the first threat on goal when Danny Spencer pounced on a Steve Brockley mistake to land the ball on the roof of Tim Dittmer's net after just thirty eight seconds of play, it was Leigh that largely controlled the tempo of the game and it's, albeit sometimes lacking, attacking play with impressive debutant striker Danny Davidson, formerly of FA Cup giantkillers Harrogate Railway, having a tame header saved by Redditch goalkeeper Danny Lewis when left unmarked at the back post, while Steve Bleasdale's side were desperately unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when an apparent handball from United centre back Exodus Geohaghon just inside his own penalty area was missed by the admittedly unsighted referee and his assistant.

Lewis was called in to action early in the second half when making a terrific diving save to deny Michael Oates from the edge of the area before Davidson flashed a half volley narrowly wide of the target as Leigh started to have a clear advantage in proceedings.

Despite having to sustain pressure for much of the match, it was the clinical edge of Redditch that sealed their victory when, with the ball bouncing around Leigh's penalty area with no apparent destination, Redditch substitute Damian Mark emphatically swept the ball in to the roof of the net with just five minutes remaining.

Leigh boss Steve Bleasdale threw caution to the wind with the introduction of attacking substitutes Steve Settle, Kieran Lugsden and Richard Chetcuti but, despite Chetcuti fired narrowly wide of the far post before his side forced a succession of late corners in a period of four minutes added time, it would eventually prove to be Redditch's day in the end.

RMI now face a daunting trip to play-off outfit AFC Telford United next weekend before fellow strugglers Vauxhall Motors are the visitors to Hilton Park on the 26th.

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