LEIGH RMI 3 BARNET 3 by David Magilton: LEIGH were stung by a two-goal fightback from the Bees just when it looked like they were set for a fourth successive Conference win.
The Railwaymen battled their way to a 3-1 lead, but a Dave German error allowed the visitors to pull a goal back and that was just the chink of light the former Football League side required to salvage a draw.
They finished much the stronger and RMI were relieved to earn a point. As manager Steve Waywell admitted: "We had the game won but letting them get a goal back was just the spark they needed.
"I have nothing but praise for my players even though we should have won the game when we were two goals up. Barnet are a full-time side and one of the favourites to go up so to be disappointed we only got a draw shows what a good young side we are."
After a sterile opening Leigh produced the breakthrough in the 33rd minute when Tony Black skipped past two defenders but his mis-kick fell to Dino Maamria, who cracked home his 18th strike of the season.
The lead lasted just four minutes as Barnet levelled when Austin Berkley headed home Lee Flynn's cross.
RMI regained the lead in the 51st minute when German's cross was powerfully headed home by Michael Twiss. Eight minutes later German's long ball took out two defenders and Twiss crossed for Black to put Leigh two up on his 100th league appearance for the club.
But just when RMI looked like coasting to victory German was robbed of the ball by Danny Brown in the 65th minute and his cross was touched home by Berkley.
The goal brought Barnet back to life and it was no surprise when they levelled in the 74th minute when keeper Mark Westhead made a great save from Rob Sawyers, but the ball was not cleared and the striker made no mistake when he was given a second chance.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article