Hayes 2 Leigh RMI 1 by Martyn Hindley

LEIGH RMI look set to become tangled up in the relegation dogfight after defeat in a critical basement battle with Hayes at Church Road.

Despite the addition of new boy Gerry Harrison in midfield for the Railwaymen, they failed to make early inroads and the home side looked the more likely to score.

In the third minute, Ian Hodges dragged the ball wide after good work by Ken Dyer on the left hand edge of the box and soon after Dyer's own effort hit Ian Swan.

It was against the run of play then that RMI grabbed a much needed opening goal. Nicky Spooner provided a perfect cross from the right flank, allowing Dino Maamria to power his header past Bertrand Bossu in the Hayes goal.

The lead could have been doubled soon after when Maamria found himself all alone 10 yards out, but Bossu made a fine save with his legs and Leigh were made to pay four minutes into the second half.

Dave Felgate had replaced Mark Westhead in goal after the goalkeeper had sustained a groin injury but he was powerless to prevent Hodges' close range effort, which restored parity.

The winner came seven minutes later when Hodges latched onto a clever knockdown by Dyer and slammed the winner past Felgate.

Further chances were few and far between for Leigh and after Tony Black's effort ended the wrong side of the post, it was Hayes who looked the more likely to score.

Substitute Paul Holsgrove fired a venomous effort against the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten after Mark Molesley had fired straight at Felgate.

Leigh are just one point away from the relegation zone after the defeat and now have a week to wait until they face high-flying Margate at Hilton Park on Saturday.