Leigh RMI 1 Southport 2 STEVE Waywell's injury crisis deepened yet further on a bleak night at Hilton Park as the frustrated Leigh boss admitted that "I don't know what to do next." With an already overcrowded treatment table, Waywell's early season woes were compounded after just 12 minutes of Tuesday's game with Southport when midfield star Dave Ridings was stretchered off the field amid fears of ligament damage that, if confirmed, could rule him out until Christmas.

The Railwaymen's struggle on the field did nothing to lighten the atmosphere as their illustrious opponents dominated the first half. In the opening minute, Barry Jones' shot was scrambled to safety by Andy Farrell and just minutes later Tony Sullivan skipped past Ricky Harris with apparent ease and struck a thundering shot that ricocheted off the frame of the goal.

Sullivan was causing mayhem down the right hand side for the 'Sandgrounders', and was unlucky not to have assisted the opener when Ben Obong missed with the goal at his mercy following the winger's excellent cross. He was involved in the breaking of the deadlock shortly after the half hour when John Robertson headed back across the goal from the far post and Barry Jones appeared unopposed to put Southport ahead.

Leigh could have trailed by a bigger margin at the break only for Felgate to deny Neil Grayston with a top class save from a blistering left foot volley and the hosts seemed to take the game to 'Port in the second half as if spurred on by the veterans' athleticism.

Skilful best

Tony Black's floating free-kick almost caught out Steve Dickinson in the visitors' goal and the troublesome striker looked back to his skilful best in a move that saw him beat Chris Lane for pace and produce a superb centre only for Maamria to offer Dickinson a simple save. Black had failed to score in 14 consecutive league appearances prior to the game, but got his name back on the scoresheet after Monk's incisive ball had created the opportunity midway through the second half.

The confidence boost to Black was immediately apparent when he embarked on a mazy run two minutes later only to curl his effort around the post.

However, Leigh fell for the sucker punch with eighteen minutes to go when Neil Durkin failed to clear a long ball and substitute Kevin Leadbetter lashed an unstoppable left-foot volley into the far corner for the winner.

Southport controlled the remainder of the game but Leigh were afforded one last chance to snatch a point when Marcus Hallows failed to convert Phil Salt's cross with the goal at his mercy.

Leigh will be looking to bounce back quickly on Saturday when they entertain Stevenage Borough at Hilton Park (3pm) and will then travel down the M6 to meet Nuneaton Borough on Tuesday evening (7:45pm).

Leigh: Felgate, Spooner, Fisher, Durkin, Farrell, Harris (Hallows 79), Monk, Ridings (German 12), Maamria, Black, Salt. Subs unused: Dootson, Calland, Heald. Attendance: 609.