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Leigh RMI 0 Blyth Spartans 2

By Matt Lawton April 26 2008
Leigh RMI bid farewell to Hilton Park and the Blue Square North with a disappointing 2-0 home reverse to Blyth Spartans, though the end result wasn't enough to stop a carnival atmosphere as Steve Bleasdale's side graced the famous old ground for the final time.

With visitors Blyth ensuring their Blue Square North safety with recent results and RMI's relegation to the UniBond Premier League confirmed a couple of weeks ago, both sets of fans were determined to enjoy the final day of the season and as such created a terrific atmosphere that was a fitting send off for Hilton Park.

With Richard Chetcuti missing from the Leigh side, Mark Smyth made his start in several weeks after improving his match fitness with recent appearances from the substitute bench, appearing up front alongside Gavin Salmon, while Matt Lawlor remained in the centre of defence alongside Rob Marsh-Evans.

In a bustling start to the game, both sides to create many clear cut chances and, just as the case had been in the 1-0 defeat to Worcester City last weekend, RMI fell behind early on to a potentially debatable but wholly avoidable penalty, Andy Heald being penalised for shirt pulling in the area, with beanpole striker Robbie Dale slotting home from the resultant spot kick.

Boosted with the recent confirmation of their Blue Square North safety with Hucknall's relegation, Blyth set about sealing the victory and were denied a second goal by the offside flag after Ged Dalton had fired past Dittmer.

Six minutes in to the second half and Dalton wasn't to be denied this time, latching on to an incisive through ball and smartly finish, to the delight of the considerably sizeable away following.

Although Blyth goalkeeper Adam Bartlett was forced to make a smart save from a Bradley Maylett corner, the home fans were left with little to cheer, though that didn't deter the relentless vocal support that their offered their side for the final occasion at Hilton Park.

In truth, the defeat largely summed up RMI's season as they failed to create much in terms of goalscoring chances, whilst being opened up at the back all too easily.

With the move to the new stadium and continued off-field improvements, it is hoped that the club can make a speedy return to the Blue Square North, where the club have gained many friends and admirers along the way, hopefully returning in the near future as an all-round stronger club, with the enthusiasm of staff, players and supporters alike to provide a big boost in pre-season.

Alas, the Leigh faithful were left to ponder long in to the evening their final afternoon of football at Hilton Park and reflect on what has, at times, been a glorious tenure at the old ground with many memories to cherish ahead of what is hoped will be an exciting future.

Leigh RMI; Tim Dittmer, Scott Metcalfe, Owen Roberts, David Prout (Neil Carroll), Rob Marsh-Evans, Matt Lawlor (Paul Booth), Steve Settle, Jonathan Goulding, Gavin Salmon, Mark Smyth, Andy Heald (Bradley Maylett)

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