Whilst his former Anfield colleagues struggled against the minnows of Havant & Waterlooville, Smyth had the freedom of Hilton Park as he struck twice to earn his side's first victory of the New Year, his first coming directly from a corner kick that he seemingly intended to hit towards goal rather than an intended penalty area target, giving RMI a deserved half-time lead.

Although highly-rated striker Paul Taylor, a reported target for both Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, proved a constant threat to RMI's supremacy, he found an equal in Leigh goalkeeper Tim Dittmer, restored to the starting line up after missing last weekend's 6-1 defeat at AFC Telford United and in inspired form against his former club.

Leigh winger Steve Settle, recalled last week from a short-term loan with Chorley, came off the bench to create RMI's second goal of the afternoon, crossing from impressive debutant Gavin Salmon to tap in after he signed on loan from Blue Square Premier side Droylsden.

Vauxhall managed to get themselves on the scoresheet with a Tom Field penalty, but RMI weren't to be outdone with Smyth scoring his second of a comfortable victory that takes RMI within five points of safety as he struck from a narrow angle.

RMI now face yet another ‘six pointer' on Saturday afternoon when they make the trip to the Midlands to face fellow strugglers Solihull Moors (3pm kick off).

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