Leigh Genesis 2 Skelmersdale United 3 SKELMERSDALE United kept their Evo-Stik League First Division North title hopes alive at Crilly Park but it was not without a huge scare as Leigh Genesis pushed them to the wire in an enthralling encounter on Tuesday night, writes Matt Lawton.

They had to come from behind after Stuart Rudd notched his 400th senior goal in the 24th minute.

A throw-in was worked to Leigh’s full debutant Nikos Papargiris to send in a cross from the left flank that found Rudd at the back post to fire home against his former club.

Genesis went close to a second goal on 35 minutes when Nathan McDonald saw a header from in front of goal well held by keeper Tom Brocklehurst.

For what seemed to be the umpteenth time this season Leigh then threw away a one-goal lead with five minutes of the first half remaining and instead ending up going in a goal behind at the break.

Skem equalised on 40 minutes when Rudd was unfortunate to claim the dubious honour of scoring at both ends.

A routine free kick flicked off his head and over a stranded Phil Priestley, who had come off his line to claim the ball.

Two minutes later a free kick was delivered from the right and Shaun Tuck was left unmarked at the back post to pick his spot when heading home.

Skelmersdale extended their lead in ruthless fashion two minutes into the second half when the ball was pumped forward to release Ryan Wade on goal to clinically slot the ball past Priestley.

Instead of collapsing - as has sometimes been the case during the season - Leigh stepped up a gear and were back in the game on 61 minutes when substitute Neil Smith flicked a header on for Nathan McDonald to scramble home his second goal for the club.

Brocklehurst was called upon to make an excellent block from point blank range to keep out a Papargiris shot and Skelmersdale were forced to endure a succession of corner kicks with six minutes remaining, the third of which found its way to Rudd but his ambitious overhead kick went wide of the target.

Leigh are away to Salford City on Saturday, 1pm kick off.

Genesis: Phil Priestley, David Webb (Neil Smith 51), Dave Dempsey, Alex Grisedale, Rob Flint, Steve Ferrigan, Dale McDonald, Connor Millington (Leyton Ellison 84), Stuart Rudd, Nathan McDonald, Nikos Papargiris (Terry Murphy 74). Subs not used): Andrew Farrimond, Steve Brockley.