Mossley 0 Leigh Genesis 2

A GOAL in each half saw Leigh Genesis get their just reward for a controlling performance away to mid-table Mossley.

With striker Stuart Rudd unavailable due to a calf injury, Marvin McDonald was deployed as a lone striker for Leigh, with Craig Carney coming in to the side.

The absence of Andy Heald saw Simon Pendlebury in the Leigh starting line up for the first time since rejoining the club.

Leigh took the lead in the fifth minute when Pete Collinge did well to save a Connor Millington shot from Sam Fairhurst’s cross, only for the rebound to fall straight at the feet of Marvin McDonald who made no mistake in sweeping home his second goal in as many games.

Dave Dempsey, Craig Carney and McDonald all went close to doubling the lead before the hosts had their first serious attempt on goal, with Phil Priestley making a terrific double save from close range.

Despite playing uphill in the second half, Leigh started to dominate again.

Fairhurst played Carney through on goal only to be denied by an excellent save from Collinge.

Mossley star Kristian Dennis has often been one of the division’s top marksmen but he struggled to get into the game in the face of a superbly hard-working Leigh midfield and had to wait until the 66th minute to get his first sight of goal.

His shot from just outside the penalty area brushed Priestley’s crossbar. Leigh effectively sealed the points with 11 minutes remaining.

A clever ball forward from Alex Grisedale saw Millington beat the home offside trap, poking the ball beneath the advancing Collinge for his first strike in Leigh colours.

This Saturday Leigh travel to third-placed Skelmersdale United, kick off 3pm, and host Lancaster City on Tuesday, kick off 7.45pm.