LEIGH Genesis once again gave a good account of themselves in their latest Evo-Stik League First Division North outing but, not for the first time in recent weeks, ultimately fell short despite an encouraging performance.

After coming close to taking something from promotion chasers Skelmersdale United in a 3-2 midweek defeat, Genesis boss Alan Kershaw had the rare luxury of being able to name an identical starting eleven as his side made the short trip to take on Salford City.

Genesis started the brightest and twice created early opportunities when first Connor Millington fired over the crossbar after a well-crafted second minute move when Nikos Papargiris laid the ball off from a Stuart Rudd cross before Nathan McDonald saw a volley from the edge of the box blocked by Matt Cross in the tenth minute.

Salford's first real chance came after fifteen minutes when they were denied by an excellent double save from Leigh goalkeeper Phil Priestley, who did well to save a fierce Glyn Barker strike and then even better to regain his feet and keep out Jack Redshaw's rebound.

Nathan McDonald saw a shot turned around the post for a corner as Leigh continued to push forward, but they fell behind on twenty four minutes when Leigh disappointingly failed to defend a set piece properly and Redshaw slammed the ball past Priestley from six yards out after an Adam Morning corner had been nodded down in to his path.

Salford doubled their lead on the hour mark when Leigh's set piece defending was again called in to question when they were caught out by a quick Morning free kick that released Redshaw to clip the ball inside the far post when presented with a tight angle and effectively seal the three points for the hosts.

Genesis substitute Neil Smith cracked the ball against Andy Robertson's post late on and Nathan McDonald saw a shot fly past the post but they were unable to trouble the scorers and instead once again left to reflect on what might have been.

Leigh welcome fellow strugglers Ossett Albion to Crilly Park onSaturday, kick off 3pm.

Leigh Genesis: Phil Priestley, David Webb (Leyton Ellison 77), Dave Dempsey, Alex Grisedale, Rob Flint, Steve Ferrigan, Dale McDonald (Neil Smith 46), Connor Millington, Stuart Rudd, Nathan McDonald, Nikos Papargiris (Marvin McDonald 68). Subs (not used); James Kelly, Andrew Farrimond