Salford City 2 Leigh Genesis 0

LEIGH Genesis fell short despite an encouraging performance, by Matt Lawton.

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 11.

Genesis twice created early opportunities.

Connor Millington fired over the bar after a 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.

Salford’s first real chance came after 15 minutes when they were denied by an excellent double save from Leigh goalkeeper Phil Priestley.

He was equal to a fierce Glyn Barker strike and then did 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 24 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 into his path.

Salford doubled their lead on the hour mark when Leigh’s set-piece defending was again called into question.

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 as not for the first time they were left to reflect on what might have been.

Leigh welcome fellow strugglers Ossett Albion to Crilly Park on Saturday, 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.