THERE can be no more slip-ups for Leigh Centurions if they are to achieve their first target of qualifying for the end of season Middle 8’s.

After this latest defeat to runaway Betfred Championship leaders, Toronto Wolfpack, Centurions remain sixth, three points off the top four with just four games to go.

All four fixtures are eminently winnable, starting with Sunday’s trip to Batley Bulldogs, beaten 38-16 at Mount Pleasant last Sunday by Leigh’s top four rivals, London Broncos.

But any further faltering could prove terminal as a fascinating campaign reaches the business end.

Leigh certainly emerged with credit from a first ever trip to Lamport Stadium though any hopes of ending the Canadian side’s unbeaten home record practically evaporated after the first half.

Centurions, recalling Kyle Lovett and Jack Blagborough to their squad, trailed 24-0 at half-time and then 40-6 at the start of the final quarter.

However, Kieron Purtill’s side finished the game strongly, ensuring the visitors won the second half 28-22.

After the controversial clash at Summer Bash back in May, there were more flashpoints and three players: Leigh’s Greg Richards and Wolfpack duo, Cory Paterson and Jake Emmitt sent to the sin-bin by referee Gareth Hewer.

But it was a less volatile clash than might have been expected with the Rugby Football League confirming an inquiry into the Bloomfield Road incidents is still proceeding.

Leigh travelled to North America without prop Jamie Acton, Craig Hall and Micky Higham in addition to suspended duo, Peter Mata’utia and Matty Dawson-Jones.

Toronto were soon on the front foot with hat-trick hero Blake Wallace leading the charge after nine minutes.

Former Wigan and Warrington star, Matty Russell, went over for the first of his two tries seven minutes later with Gareth O’Brien’s second goal making it 12-0.

Australian Wallace continued to torment the visitors with a second try just before the half-hour before Russell added his second try on the stroke of half-time.

In between, ex Leigh star Cory Paterson, became the first player yellow carded for a shoulder charge.

The visitors needed a quick response at the start of the second half and centre Ben Crooks provided a spark with a 42nd minute touch down.

Crooks and Kevin Larroyer went close to adding more points but it was Andy Ackers’ double and a third from Wallace all in the space of eight minutes that finally killed the game as a contest.

Leigh though weren’t finished and fired back with four tries in the last 15 minutes, including Daniel Mortimer’s double, a second from Crooks and another from Lovett.

However, on Canada Day, Liam Kay fittingly rounded things off for the Wolfpack with a last minute touchdown.

“We didn’t give a good account of ourselves in the first half but I was really pleased with the second half effort.”

Match stats:

Toronto Wolfpack: O’Brien; Russell, Stanley, Worthington, Kay; Wallace, Brierley; Lussick, Beswick, Emmitt, Paterson, Whiting, Krasniqi.

Substitutes: Buchanan, Sidlow, Hopkins, Ackers.

Tries: Wallace (9, 29, 58), Russell (16, 40), Ackers (53, 61), Kay (80)

Goals: O’Brien 7/ 9

Sin bin: Paterson (33), Emmitt (72)

Leigh Centurions: Owens; Ricky Bailey, Crooks, Lovett, Bergal; Reynolds, Hutchison; Hansen, Hood, Baldwinson, Larroyer, B Thompson, J Thompson.

Substitutes: Mortimer, Richards, Gregson, Blagbrough.

Tries: Crooks (42, 74), Mortimer (66, 79), Lovett (69)

Goals: Reynolds 4/ 5

Referee: Gareth Hewer;

Half-time: 24-0;

Penalty count: 7-10;

Attendance: 6,844.