Leigh RMI 3 Morecambe 1 by David Magilton: LEIGH finally ended their points drought courtesy of goal-machine David McNiven, who bagged a hat-trick to take his tally to 20 goals for the season.

The former Oldham striker had three chances and stuck each one away, in complete contrast to play-off chasing Morecambe, who missed a hatful of opportunities but had to contend with keeper Ian Martin, who produced a string of brilliant saves.

The win was just the confidence boosting fillip the Railwaymen needed after five successive defeats, and manager Phil Starbuck feels his side can avoid relegation by going the rest of the season undefeated.

"People may think that is crackers, but I am not bothered what they think. I know that if the players perform like they did against Morecambe, there is no reason why we can't go unbeaten until the end of the season.

"I am as proud as punch for the lads. They have worked hard and hopefully this is the start of the run we have been looking for.

"We have the ability; it is just about getting it out of them on a consistent level."

The Railwaymen went ahead in the 42nd minute, when Chris Lane volleyed Warren Peyton's cross at the keeper, who could not hold the ball and McNiven was on hand to ram it home.

RMI's luck held at the start of the second-half when Morecambe had a goal disallowed for offside, and what looked a good appeal for a penalty was turned down when Steve Redmond upended Nick Rogan.

Meanwhile Leigh had gone two up in the 48th minute when Carl Rezai's cross was misjudged by the keeper and McNiven tucked it home.

RMI sealed the three points in the 63rd minute thanks to the battling qualities of McNiven. He robbed Perkins and raced into the area, but although he lost possession, regained it again, only for Perkins to bring him down. McNiven slotted the resulting penalty into the corner of the goal for his hat-trick.

Morecambe gained scant consolation for their efforts when Sugden's last minute shot took a deflection and ballooned over the keeper.