Barnet 1,Leigh RMI 1 by Martyn Hindley

LEIGH RMI endured another heart-breaking ending as Barnet fought back to level in the dying minutes at Underhill.

Once again, Leigh form on the road was to prove far superior to that of Hilton Park, and Leigh fashioned some good early chances in a game where clear cut opportunities were at a premium.

From Dave German's ball, Marcus Hallows failed to get a clear strike on goal but the visitors were guilty of a glaring miss moments before the break when Ged Kielty's work in midfield enabled Hallows to race clear on the right.

His cross was hit hard and low towards Tony Black, but the fans' favourite scuffed his shot wide of the target from six yards.

The home fans were beginning to show their frustration at half-time but without good reason. Lee Flynn had tested Westhead with a curling free-kick and Ian Swan was forced to charge down Neil Midgeley's goalbound effort.

Nevertheless, Leigh were not showing any adverse effects in the absence of key centre-half Andy Farrell and took the lead themselves after 56 minutes. Again it was Kielty's expertise that made the opportunity, and after neat interplay with Monk on the edge of the box, Neil Fisher was able to lash home.

It was a deserved lead and Steve Waywell's men had the chance to extend it minutes later as Fisher hit the bar after a carbon copy of the move that saw the opener and Monk fluffed his lines from six yards out and failed to test the goalkeeper.

It was the 'keeper at the other end though who was to be involved in all of the late drama. After Durkin's mistake 20 yards out, Wayne Purser sprinted into the area. Westhead came to meet him and after hauling the midfielder down it seemed certain that Leigh would face the last nine minutes with just ten men.

Referee McCoy sensationally produced only a yellow and it was a move that could have incited violence had he saved the resulting penalty. Arber hit his spot-kick straight at Westhead, but pounced on the rebound to earn a point.

Leigh will take heart from the performance, and will hope for a repeat when Scarborough come to town for Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy First Round tie. Victory against the Yorkshire club should hand RMI a much-needed cash boost.