Burton 0 Leigh RMI 0 by Martyn Hindley: LEIGH RMI produced a brave performance to defy the early dismissal of Gareth Stoker and shut out Burton Albion.

Stoker brought down Dale Anderson in the fourth minute and was immediately red carded by Halifax referee Dave Richardson for a professional foul. "I thought it was a very harsh decision," argued Leigh manager Phil Starbuck. "The incident was 40 yards from goal and two or three of the lads would have had a great chance of getting back," he added.

As RMI kept their shape and composure thereafter, goalkeeper Ian Martin remained surprisingly under employed. But the youngster did pull off a tremendous save down to his left to push a low drive from Laurie Wilson around the post.

The Railwaymen even went close to taking a shock lead midway through the first half. But Ian Wright retreated well to head a goalbound effort from Barry Miller off the line.

Burton player-boss Nigel Clough brought himself off the bench at the interval in an attempt to inject life into the hosts.

The move proved fruitless, and RMI could have had a late winner when Warren Peyton and Craig Mitchell combined to feed Karl Rose, but he put his angled effort well wide of the near post.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the way we battled and chased every ball down", enthused Starbuck.

"The team spirit and camaraderie in the dressing room is phenomenal, and it shows", he added.