FOR the second time in a week Leigh RMI dropped two valuable home points in the 2-2 draw with Runcorn.

But, unlike last week when they threw away a two-goal lead against Altrincham, they had to come from being two goals behind to earn a point against second in the table Runcorn.

And they did it despite playing three-quarters of the game with only 10 men after Lee Anderson was sent off for violent conduct.

It was the third time this season that the full back has had first use of the soap and the sixth red card in total for RMI. There were also cautions for Graham Hill and Simon Kay, who are already facing suspensions, and it could be the disciplinary factor that in the end decides Leigh's Conference aspirations.

They have slipped down to fifth, but still have games in hand and goalkeeper Dave Felgate, who at 38 was playing his 51st consecutive game of the season, still believes promotion is within reach.

"The chase is still on, especially with the top clubs having to play each other, and we showed a lot of character in the second half and it was difficult to see who had the extra man," said the former Welsh keeper.

"Our game at Winsford on Wednesday takes on an even greater significance with three points being the priority and that is the way we have to treat the run-in - one game at a time."

Saturday's match was a mirror image of the corresponding fixture at Canal Street last August when the Linnets took a two-goal lead with the Railwaymen coming back strong in the second half.

The Premiership's leading goalscorer Liam Watson headed Runcorn in front in the 23rd minute when he was left unmarked to meet Aidan Warder's free kick.

Within 90 seconds of going a goal down, Leigh were also a man down when Anderson was sent off for his challenge on Gary Randle.

Watson made it two five minutes after the break when Matt Brooks robbed Hill and set up the striker who drilled the ball under the diving Felgate.

Minutes later the keeper then denied Watson a hat-trick with an important save that proved to be the turning point.

Keith Evans scored twice in 16 minutes to take his season's tally to 13, which was unlucky for Runcorn.

He out-jumped goalkeeper Mark Morris to head home Stuart Locke's cross and then he latched on to Felgate's long ball to lob Morris.

"The four points we have dropped in the last two home games could be vital come May, but while it is mathematically possible, we will be giving it our best shot," said veteran Felgate.

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