Leigh RMI 0 Farnborough Town 2 by Robert Johnson: RMI boss Phil Starbuck said he was bitterly disappointed after the Railwaymen crashed to their fifth successive defeat against fellow strugglers Farnborough Town.

Farnborough simply had more passion and desire to win as two goals in either half secured three much needed points for the visitors and heaped more

misery on struggling Leigh.

Veteran striker Ken Charlery headed Farnborough into an early lead after just ten minutes, and Howard Forinton secured the win twelve minutes from

time with a low drive through a crowd of RMI defenders.

RMI had been boosted by the Hilton Park debuts of two strikers, Carl Alford and Kris McHale as they lined up with top goalscorer David McNiven in a

three pronged forward line.

But the trio failed to convert the few chances which were created by the Railwaymen, and RMI were lucky to lose by only the two goal margin.

The defeat leaves RMI second from bottom in the Nationwide Conference, four points adrift of Farnborough Town and seven points away from Tamworth, who

lie just above the relegation zone.

Despite the demoralising defeat, Starbuck still believes RMI can still beat the drop.

He said: "I am bitterly disappointed with the result. It was a massive game and I think the pressure may have got to some of the lads.

"Of course we are up against it now, but I am not about to give in, not until we are mathematically finished. Every game is a cup final and if we

can win our game in hand over Farnborough then we will be right back in it. I will not, and do not think we will be relegated."

The game sprang into life with both sides fighting for every ball as they battled to get the vital three points.

But it was Farnborough who made the breakthrough after ten minutes. Richard Hodgson's long corner found the unmarked Ken Charlery who powered in a

header from six yards past RMI goalkeeper Ian Martin.

Seven minutes later David McNiven had a fabulous chance to equalise for RMI. McHale played through a ball to David McNiven whose stinging shot from ten

yards was beaten away by Farnborough goalkeeper Mark Osborn.

The first half turned into a scrappy affair with both RMI assistant boss Steve Redmond and Farnborough defender Adie Hayes receiving yellow cards.

RMI began the second half fired up and McNiven nearly scored four minutes after the restart, but his shot was deflected for a corner.

The hosts had Carl Rezai and Paul booked, and RMI's misery was compounded when Farnborough scored the crucial second goal after 78 minutes. Coward Forniton capitalised on a good reflex save from Ian Martin to drill home the rebound through a crowded box and send the visiting supporters into

delirium.

RMI huffed and puffed, sending on Damien Whitehead upfront to replace defender Martyn Lancaster, but it was too late for the Railwaymen.

RMI: Martin, Shepherd, Lancaster, Peyton, Rezai, Roscoe, Rickers, Alford, Redmond, McHale, McNiven. Substitutes used:Barrowclough, Whitehead.

Attendance: 295.