Burton 0 RMI 1: MARK Patterson's new look side broke Leigh's string of six consecutive league defeats with a much-need victory.

New boy centre-half Martyn Lancaster, signed only a couple of days earlier from Chester City, made a superb debut as RMI kept a clean sheet - a priority for the new manager.

"It was important that we improved our defence and to get a clean sheet was my main aim," said Patterson. "Lancaster was tremendous for us. He gave us leadership along the back line. In saying that all the team were superb.

"We got an early goal and Dino Maamria hit the crossbar when it was easier to have scored. We should have won by two or three goals and eased the pressure but I have to be happy with my first win."

Lancaster's solid and dependable contribution to Leigh's third away win of the season will be overshadowed by Dino Maamria's crucial early goal but it's importance should not be overstated.

Neither should that of rejuvenated team-mate Neil Fitzhenry, whose improvement from average Conference player to an outstanding one seems to have happened overnight.

Maamria's right-footed effort from the edge of the box after 13 minutes was Leigh's first goal from open play in nearly ten hours, and it is notable that he scored the last one as well nearly two months ago. Had he netted an easier chance rather than hit a post, Albion would have been sunk earlier.

In Phil Salt and Maamria they had chances to extend their advantage although both will be disappointed not to have forced a save.

Salt was back at his exceptional best and between the sticks Stuart Coburn had few complications in keeping his first clean sheet for two months.