Leigh Genesis slipped five points behind fifth-placed Skelmersdale United as a goal in each half consigned them to a defeat at struggling neighbours Radcliffe Borough in UniBond League Division One North.
Leigh were twice denied by the woodwork in the opening stages as, first, Kris King struck the far post, then Matt Jansen thumped a header against the frame of the goal.
Jordan Stepien was denied by Radcliffe goalkeeper Lloyd Rigby on 22 minutes, but it was the hosts who took the lead 13 minutes later when Steve Howson beat Stephen Drench.
That lead was doubled on the hour mark when Ben Wharton slotted home and, although Kris King pulled a goal back, his first for the club on his 50th appearance, with two minutes left, Garry Flitcroft’s side were left to rue their missed chances.
FC United slipped to their third defeat in four games as they lost 4-2 against leaders Retford United in the Premier League at Gigg Lane.
The Rebels found themselves 3-0 down after just 24 minutes before Carlos Roca pulled one back four minutes before half time.
Simon Carden gave the hosts hope when he further reduced the deficit just after the hour mark, but Retford added a fourth before the end to leave FC stuck in the bottom three.
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