A MAGNIFICENT performance from Leigh Genesis gave them their first away win of the season at Harrogate on Tuesday night.

A Paul Hopkins winner with three minutes remaining sealed the points, putting them in buoyant mood for Saturday’s visit by Salford City, 3pm, and Tuesday’s trip to Curzon Ashton in the Evo-Stik League Challenge Cup first round, 7.45pm.

After suffering a 5-0 FA Trophy defeat at the weekend, Leigh boss Mark Maddox demanded a response from his players.

Leigh’s improvement in conduct was noticeable. Only one yellow card was shown to the visitors compared to three reds at the weekend, while Harrogate had Dan Thirkell dismissed after the final whistle for abuse at the match officials.

Maddox sprang a surprise with his tactics by starting Paul Hopkins up front alongside John Lawless and switching Brodie Kearns to the right side of midfield.

It proved to be a good choice, with Husband being given a torrid time whenever Kearns took him on.

Fielding a back four that had an average height well above six feet, it was almost inevitable that Harrogate would pose a threat from set pieces.

Genesis goalkeeper Adam Judge came up with a terrific reaction save from a corner to keep out centre back Wayne Harratt’s header from point blank range.

Leigh were not without an aerial threat of their own and went close when Steve Brockley nodded a James Olsen corner over the bar.

Adam Strode missed the second half with illness and his replacement Nick Eastham had a golden opportunity to put Leigh in front in the 48th minute but he took too long to pick his spot and the ball was nicked from his feet.

Another player struggling with illness, Lawless, was withdrawn in the 66th minute to mark the long awaited debut of Jordan Gerrard, who lifted Leigh’s play to another level with his close control and eye for a pass.

A hard-working and well-organised Leigh performance finally brought its reward on 87 minutes when Lyons sent Eastham haring down the right. He crossed to the back post for Hopkins to divert his half-volley into the net via goalkeeper Elliott’s post.

Genesis: Adam Judge, Danny Lyons, Andy Heald, Joe McKane, Steve Brockley, Rowan Garnett (Joe Evans 82), Paul Hopkins, James Olsen, John Lawless (Jordan Gerrard 66), Brodie Kearns, Adam Strode (Nick Eastham 46). Subs (not used); James Bell.