LEIGH Athletic suffered their worst defeat of the season - 5-2 - against top of the table Wythenshawe in the Airmiles Manchester League.

But things could have been so different in what was a tight game for 80 minutes. The first half was a reflection of the season with Leigh playing the better football but finding no end product and little luck.

This was summed up as Wythenshawe took the lead after a shot rebounded from a post. At the other end Neil Sumner also struck the woodwork but saw the rebound fall into the arms of the Wythenshawe keeper.

The second half was only minutes old when Wythenshawe went 2-0 up after poor marking at a set piece.

Leigh finally woke up and took the game to Wythenshawe with Steve Kidd and Gordon Walker forcing the pace on a deteriorating surface. On the hour mark Leigh finally broke through with Danny Wilson and Steve Bevan setting up Wilson. Five minutes later Leigh were back on level terms when Wilson forced in a second.

Leigh crucially failed to take further chances and paid the price as the visitors sneaked a goal on the break. As Leigh pushed forward they were twice caught on the break to give the scoreline an unflattering look.