Margate 1 Leigh RMI 2 by Martyn Hindley

A WELL-disciplined, workmanlike performance from Leigh RMI helped them to fight back from a goal down to win at newly-promoted Margate.

The reigning Dr.Martens League champions went into the game as firm bookies' favourites having claimed four points from their opening two games but it was Steve Waywell's injury-ravaged side that came up trumps.

Margate controlled the first half in terms of possession but did not create anything to worry their determined visitors. Dave German was the chief container of the Hartsdown Park side with a quality performance at full-back keeping the dangerous John Keister.

Leigh started the brighter of the two sides after the interval a but it was the home side who took the lead against the run of play when Leon Braithwaite sprinted clear of Neil Durkin and lashed home to give Dave Felgate no chance.

Marcus Hallows made way for young striker Troy Hayder ten minutes into the second half and after that Leigh never looked back. Super-sub Hayder claimed the equaliser on 59 minutes when he pounced on Dino Maamria's drive across the face of goal to tap home from close range.

Leigh: Felgate, Fisher, German, Durkin, Farrell, Salt, Monk, Ridings, Maamria, Black (Heald 79),Hallows (Hayder 55). Subs not used: Spooner, Scott, Banks. Attendance: 815.