Leigh looked good early on both defensivley and attackingly against a strong Dagenham side who were unfortunate to be defeated in last season's inaugural Conference play-off final. RMI got the first chance of the game when Neil Robinson hit a 18-yard, left footed drive only to see it blocked by Dagenham defender Tim Cole.

RMI dominated the early goings and found themselves in front on the 18 minute mark, when David McNiven got on the end of Neil Robinsons cross and slotted home from 6-yards.

Neil Durkin could of made it 2-0 not long after but he couldn't keep his header on target from a deep corner.

As expected, Dagenham began to get in the game and started to attack the Leigh defence. The Leigh defence looked very comfortable, much better than last season. Leigh defenders Martyn Lancaster and Neil Durkin both looked good at the back along goalkeeper Stuart Coburn.

Dagenham's pressure payed off when they got a deserved equaliser when Paul Bruce scored a marvelous 25-yard free-kick just before the half-time.

RMI came out after the break determined to re-take the lead. And they did so when David McNiven doubled his and Leigh's tally when he hit a 25-yard volley into the top corner from a Neil Robinson cross.

As expected again, Dagenham piled the pressure on for another equaliser and they nearly got one when Tim Cole's header was well saved by Coburn. RMI held on there-after to record a superb result.

Leigh RMI: Coburn, Harrison, Lancaster, Durkin, Hill, Monk, Kielty, Peyton, Heald, McNiven, Robinson.
Subs: Hallows, Heffernan, Pendlebury, Courtney.

Dag & Red: Pullen, Mustafa, Cole, Vickers, Jackson, Bruce, Shipp, Terry, Janney, Stein, Braithwaite.
Subs: Matthews, Chris Piper, Bentley, Meechan, Lampton.

Referee: P Canadine (Rotherham).

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