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Saturday 6th September - Leigh Genesis 2-0 Frickley Athletic

Manager Billy Heath is looking to put a stop to this disappointing run Frickley is slipping into in the Unibond Premier Division after they went down to a goal in each half at Leigh.

Trying to strengthen the defence, Steve Robinson came into the back four with Steve Heath returning after injury, while new signing Danny Buttle made his debut on the left wing.

Playing down the steep slope it was Genesis who made the first threat in the second minute, Alex Mortimer miskicking a shot from 30 yards after a corner but the ball falling kindly to Paul Booth whose angled effort was tipped over the top by Adam Nicklin.

Danny Buttle whipped in a free-kick from the left for the visitors two minutes later, Jonathan Groome pouncing but putting a 20 yard drive just over the bar.

Leigh adapted to the conditions better and Jordan Stepien beat Heath to a through ball in the 12th minute and hit a low angled shot which zipped the wrong side of the far post.

Most of the exchanges were being fought in midfield although the home side took the lead in the 28th minute when Antony Jackson was judged to have brought down Stepien in the box with Stepien recovering to beat Nicklin from the resultant spot kick.

A minute later, Jackson had a chance to atone for his error when he outjumped the home cover to get to a corner kick but his header went straight into the arms of goalkeeper Steve Dickinson.

On the stroke of half-time, Rob Pell did well to win the ball on the edge of the penalty are and turned to get in a shot but, once again, it was straight at the Genesis keeper.

Both teams made changes just after the interval, Scott Brough coming on for Steve Robinson, while the home side introduced Reece Kelly for Brad Maylett as they continued to press, Tom Field going close with a shot from 18 yards after a cross from the left.

Leigh improved their advantage in the 70th minute when Matthew Berkeley chased a long ball and, while Nicklin blocked his shot, the rebound dropped to Kelly who put it into an empty net from 20 yards.

Frickley brought on Neil Towler for Buttle but could make little impression although Pell held the ball up well in the 80th minute before finding the overlapping Brough but he lifted the ball from ten yards.

Leigh Genesis : Steve Dickinson, Paul Booth, Alex Mortimer, Tom Field (Jonathan Goulding 83min), Josh Wilson, Rob Marsh-Evans, Brad Maylett (Reece Kelly 51min), Chris Holland, Jordan Stepien (Andrew Teague 63min), Matthew Berkeley, Mark Smyth; subs not used, Ben McHugh, Dean Porter.

Frickley Athletic : Adam Nicklin, Steve Robinson (Scott Brough 48min), Chris Gowen, Danny Walsh, Steve Heath, Antony Jackson, Chris Hilton, Jonathan Groome, Lee Morris, Rob Pell, Danny Buttle (Neil Towler 72min); subs not used, Dean Jones, Chris Davies.

Referee : Mr A Scregg

Attendance : 165