FIVE weeks ago, Leigh RMI players trudged off the field at Barnet having won just seven league games all season.

They conceded 97 goals and had an even worse goal difference than rock-bottom side Northwich Victoria.

But due to the misfortune of others, the Railwaymen will continue to ply their trade in the Nationwide Conference after Margate were forced into relegation because of their sub-standard stadium.

Hartsdown Park has long been in need of renovation, leaving 'Gate to share with Kent non-league rivals Dover Athletic.

But the Conference Board of Directors rejected an application for that arrangement to continue, telling the club that they must accept demotion to the new Conference South division if they were to return home.

As the highest-placed relegated club, Leigh will now be asked to step into the breach.

"On the back of other people, it seems that we have a reprieve and that's obviously great for the club," said manager Phil Starbuck. "It's a lifeline and I think that it's the right thing to do," he added.

"But the table doesn't lie after so many games and we finished second bottom. We can now start work on next season because we want to stay up on merit."

But RMI know that they will face a mountainous task off the pitch to bring in enough spectators to beat the drop.

Last season's biggest attendances came against promoted pair Chester City and Shrewsbury Town but without those, Leigh's average gate would have been

under 500, despite the improved style of football under Starbuck.

Crawley Town, York City, Carlisle United and FA Trophy finalists Canvey Island will be new to Hilton Park for games next term, while Wigan Athletic

have agreed to visit for a pre-season friendly.