Leigh RMI 2 Dag & Red 1: A FANTASTIC double strike by new boy David McNiven earned Leigh a shock but well deserved win over much-fancied Dagenham.

The former York City and Oldham Athletic striker secured all three points for the Railwaymen with a spectacular 48th minute strike to give Mark Patterson's men their first ever Nationwide Conference opening day victory.

McNiven had earlier opened the scoring in the 18th minute before his effort was cancelled out in the 41st minute by a superb free kick from Dagenham's Paul Bruce.

Leigh deservedly took an 18th minute lead when Robinson linked up with Heald, who sailed past Tarkan Mustafa and drilled in a low cross for McNiven who shot home past Pullen.

Dagenham took the game to Leigh as they looked for the equaliser. And they were rewarded for their hard work in the 41st minute. Leigh'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.

But it was the hard work of RMI's front pair Robinson and McNiven which brought the winner three minutes after the restart. Robinson flicked the ball on to McNiven who unleashed a half volley over Pullen which flew into the top left hand corner.

Leigh RMI: Coburn, Harrison, Hill, Durkin, Lancaster, Monk, Kielty, Peyton, Heald, McNiven, Robinson. Subs used: Hallows, Pendlebury, Courtney. Attendance: 419.