LEIGH RMI are celebrating at the double after a weekend of success on and off the field.

They closed the gap at the top of the UniBond First Division with a 1-0 derby win over Atherton LR.

And then found they had been named UniBond First Division 'Club of the Month' for November.

Rivals Radcliffe Borough are a comfortable 10 points clear. But RMI still have the benefit of a massive seven games to haul them in.

The derby win was a sixth successive league victory.

Visitors LR had only themselves to blame for the loss. Despite their dominance with possession and territory, they failed to create clear-cut chances for their frustrated strikers.

Leigh, on the other hand, while struggling to find their rhythm, did create the opportunities, scoring once through influential midfielder Dave Ridings, his sixth strike of the season.

LR pressed at the end when RMI were down to 10 men after Chris Bermingham had been shown the red card in the 68th minute for a rash tackle on sub Mick Southern.

But they never looked like grabbing the equaliser and avoiding a league double defeat.

LR also lost 2-1 to Harrogate Town with Gary Cowburn on target.

RMI U10s beat Sharples Lads 2-0 with goals from Michael Heaton and Philip Allen, but they lost 7-1 at Charlton Lads, David Leather on target. MOM Adam Thompson.

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