LEIGH'S mini-resurgence came to a grinding halt when they crashed to runaway leaders Barnet.

RMI's hopes were hit before the game with Chris Lane out through suspension, but were compounded with the loss by half-time of key players Chris Clarke and Gareth Stoker through injury.

The season looks to be over for the two experienced players, while Ryan Clarke, who agreed before the game to remain at Hilton Park until the end of the season, was shown the red card for a second bookable offence in the 90th minute.

Leigh battled gamely but the gulf in class told. RMI did not trouble the keeper all game while Barnet had hot-shot striker Giuliano Grazioli, who is in the form of his life and was too hot for RMI to handle, scoring two goals and unlucky not to grab a hat-trick.

His first came in the 37th minute when Nicky Bailey's short corner found Richard Graham and his curling cross was headed home. The Bees grabbed a second in the 55th minute when Graham's cross found Liam Hatch unmarked and he rammed the ball home.

Grazioil grabbed his 24th goal of the season in the 77th minute when he skilfully brought down a pass and slotted his shot home.

Leigh boss Steve Bleasdale said: "We were disrupted by the loss of Clarke and Stoker and the balance of the side was upset. We were beaten fair and square but I can't fault the lads for effort. They gave me everything."