Leigh RMI 2 Dagenham1

MARK Patterson was delighted with his deadly duo upfront after they helped RMI to a massive victory over promotion favourites Dagenham & Redbridge.

The RMI boss heaped praise on his hard-working side -- and his strike partnership of Neil Robinson and David McNiven for their part in the win over the much-fancied Londoners -- their first ever opening day victory in the Nationwide Conference.

McNiven, snapped up by Patterson from Northwich Victoria, struck twice -- including a spectacular 48th minute winner, to give RMI all three points at a sweltering Hilton Park.

Delighted

Patterson said: "I'm absolutely delighted with the win. Before the game I was unsure what we would get out of the game -- but to get a result against one of teams who are expected to be pushing for promotion is just superb.

"Robinson and McNiven didn't play much together in pre-season but two goals and two assists speak for themselves, particularly against one of the better teams in the league.

"The lads worked damn hard, particularly in midfield, Warren Peyton was outstanding. And Ged Kielty had something to prove and he proved it -- he had a massive game."

The Railwaymen started off brightly, nearly breaking the deadlock in the seventh minute when on-loan signing Robinson made space in the box -- but he was quickly closed down in the box by Ashley Vickers.

Three minutes later, Leigh were lucky not to go behind after goalkeeper Stuart Coburn was unable to hang onto a Paul Terry cross -- but Ian Monk cleared the danger.

But Leigh made the breakthrough in the 18th minute lead when Robinson linked up with Heald, who sailed past Tarkan Mustafa and drilled in a low cross for McNiven to shoot home past goalkeeper James Pullen.

Dagenham were rocked and they took the game to Leigh as they searched for the equaliser. And they were rewarded for their hard work in the 41st minute. RMI's Warren Peyton was penalised for a shove on Cole and Paul Bruce stepped up to curl an unstoppable 30 yard free-kick past the wall and Coburn -- who could only parry the ball into the top corner of the net.

But Patterson's men made the decisive breakthrough in the 48th minute. Robinson flicked on a Coburn clearance for McNiven who unleashed a right footed half volley over Pullen which flew into the top left hand corner of the net.

Ged Courtney and Ian Pendlebury replaced a tired looking Robinson and McNiven upfront for RMI.

And Dagenham nearly snatched a last gasp equaliser -- but substitute Alex Meecham fired over from six yards -- much to the relief of the home support.

Leigh RMI: Coburn, Harrison, Hill, Durkin, Lancaster, Monk, Kielty, Peyton, Heald, McNiven, Robinson. Substitutes used: Hallows, Pendlebury, Courtney.

Attendance: 419

Referee: P Canadine (Rotherham)