Hyde United 1 Leigh RMI 1

STEVE Bleasdale's belief that his side are improving was justified with a well-deserved point against play-off hopefuls Hyde.

The Railwaymen are still favourites for the drop but neither the manager nor his players have given up on the idea of pulling off a great escape.

Mark Smyth had a golden opportunity to put his side in front after 33 minutes, but he managed only to flash his shot over the crossbar after Steve Settle's cross was diverted into the path of the former Liverpool striker.

Smyth, however, did not make the same mistake when a second chance came his way in the 40th minute, as he raced on to Gavin Salmon's through ball and chipped a delightful lob over the goalkeeper.

Leigh were still celebrating as Hyde levelled three minutes later when Steve Pickford headed a left wing cross home.

Richard Chetcuti replaced Settle, who suffered a suspected broken rib and the youngster twice hit the woodwork before substitute Robbie Talbot fired over the crossbar from close range in the dying moments.

Leigh have signed versatile defender Paul Booth from UniBond Premier League outfit Leek Town, but the former Oldham Athletic player did not feature at the weekend.