Shrewsbury Town 3 Leigh RMI 1

Last updated : 08 March 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Shrewsbury Town moved up to third place in the Conference with a hard-fought 3-1 home win over second bottom Leigh RMI.

With their fourth straight league victory, Shrewsbury continued to make strides up the table - but were flattered by the final score after a largely lack-lustre and often disjointed performance.

When Duane Darby opened Shrewsbury's account on 11 minutes, the home side appeared on course for a straightforward victory – but the visitors hit back to level on 29 minutes through Steve Brodie.

Despite always holding the upper hand, Shrewsbury did not regain the lead until midway through the second half when Ryan Lowe netted with a smart shot - and that is how things looked set to finish, until substitute Jody Banim put the issue beyond all doubt with the last kick of the game.

Before the game Shrewsbury manager Jimmy Quinn felt his side needed four more victories to ensure a Conference play-off berth - and although they were without 11-goal striker Luke Rodgers, who was serving a one-match ban, the Shrews were quickly on course for the first victory of Quinn's requirements.

In the 11th minute the Leigh defence was split by a fine pass from Lowe that enabled Darby to advance and stroke the ball past advancing Leigh keeper James Salisbury.

However, Shrewsbury were unable to press home their advantage and paid the price for some hesitant defending when Brodie fired Leigh level in the 29th minute.

After the break Shrewsbury struggled to find a breakthrough and with the home fans becoming increasingly restless, Town were indebted to Lowe for regaining the lead - his curling shot from the edge of the box giving Salisbury no chance as the Shrews midfielder claimed his seventh goal of the campaign.

Although Shrewsbury were none too impressive for long periods, they wrapped things up in style in the final minute.

In one last-gasp attempt to force a leveller, Leigh sent goalkeeper Salisbury forward for a free-kick - but when Shrews keeper Scott Howie cleared quickly downfield, Banim was on hand to knock the ball into an empty net from 45 yards.