ATHERTON LR manager Dave Morris predicts derby rivals Leigh RMI will be in the promotion frame at the end of the season.

His comments came after his side had been dumped 2-0 at home by RMI - LR's second loss in three days.

And, but for a brilliant goalkeeping display from Andy Hills, it could have been a lot worse.

"Leigh are a good side. They have pushed the boat out in the close season, and, on this performance, they will be there or thereabouts come next April," said Morris.

Hills produced a string of fine saves, the best being a tip-over from a Keith Evans rocket that had taken a wicked deflection off defender Steve Iley. But he had no chance with Evans' double strike just after the break.

RMI manager Steve Waywell said: "Our plan was to keep them goalless at the break and then give it a go down the slope in the second half. Those two quick goals settled us down and we never lost control.

"The scoreline doesn't do us justice, but their keeper pulled off four saves when the ball looked destined for the back of the net."

On Saturday RMI swooped for a seventh new player.

They snapped up Dave Ridings from Preston North End just one hour before deadline.

He became the seventh player from a squad of 14 making his league debut - but it did RMI little good as they plunged to a 3-1 home defeat against newly-relegated Droylesden in the first match of the new campaign.

RMI dominated the early exchanges with enough chances to have secured the points.

Chris Shaw shot straight at the goalkeeper, Graham Hill struck a post, the keeper saved well from Paul Wheeler, Mark Schofield headed over and Evans volleyed wide.

Evans eventually gave RMI the lead from the penalty spot after Shaw's goal-bound shot was handled.

But the visitors hit back with two goals before the break and they clinched it with a third three minutes from time.

A disappointed Waywell said: "Individual errors at the back cost us the game. We had dominated the opening stages, got the early breakthrough then two silly mistakes had us chasing the game.

"It was disappointing after all the new signings and the build-up had been so good."

RMI are at Belper on Saturday in the FA Cup. Next Tuesday (7.30) they are at home to Radcliffe in the Unibond League.

LR's Saturday opener was a 4-1 defeat at Congleton Town, returning striker Gavin McDonald on target.

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