Chester FC 1 Leigh Genesis 1

LEIGH Genesis earned a dramatic point from high-flying Chester with substitute Rick Gleave scoring an injury-time equaliser in front of a crowd of more than 2,100 at the Exacta Stadium.

Having been the injury-time hero when scoring a last-gasp winner in the 4-3 FA Cup win at Rossendale United earlier in the season, Gleave was again the toast of the visiting fans, though the platform was undoubtedly laid by an inspired goalkeeping performance from Adam Judge.

Debutant Tony Rendell, giving the appearance of a player who had played in the side for an age rather than the sum of one training session, produced a towering performance alongside Adam Farley at the heart of the Leigh defence.

It meant that the side formed out of the ashes of former Football League outfit Chester City struggled to break down the visitors.

The Cestrians did manage to get the ball in the net on 58 minutes, only for Rob Hopley's celebrations to be cut short by the referee's assistant flag being raised for an offside decision.

Chester finally took the lead on 72 minutes when defender Carl Ruffer headed home a flick-on from ex-Leigh man Mark Peers, finally earning a reward for Chester's almost constant pressure.

The goal for the hosts saw Leigh boss Mark Maddox, himself an unused substitute as his squad finds itself at it's bare bones, introduce front man Nick Eastham to the fold to offer more of a presence up front alongside John Lawless.

Genesis got their reward in stoppage time when Gleave was left unmarked at the back post to joyously fire past goalkeeper Richard Whiteside and join the rest of the side in celebrating with the visiting contingent.

Leigh have had a rare free midweek for the Leigh squad to recover from three-and-a-half hours of match action in five days before making the short trip to rivals Chorley, managed by ex-Genesis boss Garry Flitcroft and boasting a whole host of former Leigh players, for a 3pm kick off on Saturday.

Leigh Genesis: Adam Judge, Gary Scott, Andy Heald, Adam Farley, Tony Rendell, Rowan Garnett (Nick Eastham 72), Paul Hopkins, James Olsen, John Lawless, Joe McKane (Brodie Kearns 85), Adam Strode (Rick Gleave 62). Subs (not used): Steve Brockley, Mark Maddox.