By Matt Lawton
October 18 2008

Leigh Genesis battled their way through to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy with a victory over UniBond League Division One North side Harrogate Railway Athletic at Station View that was far more comfortable than the scoreline may suggest.

With almost £3,000 in prize money up for grabs for the winners, Genesis were roared on by a large travelling support that made up the vast majority of the crowd, with the faith of travelling majority being rewarded on nineteen minutes when Jordan Stepien headed in an Alex Mortimer corner after debutant Chris Amadi had seen a fizzing shot tipped over the bar by Railway goalkeeper Liam Sutcliffe.

With the visitors, just two points to their name all season, providing very little threat, Leigh almost extended their lead in the second half when defender Jonathan Goulding struck the side netting after Mark Smyth had smartly laid off a cross from substitute Matt Berkeley, returning from what was originally thought to be a lengthy period on the sidelines following a collision in the recent 0-0 league draw with Buxton.

Leigh had a golden opportunity to double their winning margin in the second half when Stepien was brought down inside the area, only for Mark Smyth's penalty kick to be saved by Sutcliffe, the third time already this season that Leigh have missed from the spot.

Winger Brad Maylett flashed a shot narrowly wide of the target, but Leigh were eventually comfortable victors and Steve Bleasdale's side will travel to Witton Albion next weekend with renewed confidence.

Leigh Genesis; Steve Dickinson, Andrew Teague, Alex Mortimer, Tom Field (Josh Wilson), Jonathan Goulding, Rob Marsh-Evans, Brad Maylett, Chris Holland, Chris Amadi (Matt Berkeley), Jordan Stepien (Chris McCaughtrie), Mark Smyth