Margate halted relegation-battling Leigh's recent revival with a much-needed win which keeps them comfortably out of the Conference drop zone.

The home side made a flying start against the struggling visitors, who have won their last two league games, when Phil Collins struck after five minutes with an 18-yard scorcher.

Dino Maamria brought down Jake Leberl, who swung in a free-kick which was cleared to Collins, and the forward made no mistake with a clinical finish.

Leigh had a chance to equalise after 21 minutes but Wayne Maden's header went past keeper Phillip Smith's left-hand post from six yards.

Margate striker Leon Braithwaite struck a sweetly-timed effort but his shot was well saved by keeper Stuart Coburn as the home side tried to double their advantage.

However, four minutes into the second half Maamria had a good chance to bring the score level but saw his header saved by Smith from close range.

Margate made Leigh pay for their profligacy when they extended their lead with a 25-yard screamer from Jay Saunders after 63 minutes to wrap up the points.

Margate: Smith, Edwards, Leberl, Sodje, Oates, Clarke, Beard, Keister, Saunders, Braithwaite, Collins. Subs: Lamb, Sigere, Mitten, O'Connell, McFlynn.

Leigh RMI: Coburn, Williams, Durkin, Lancaster, Fitzhenry, Harrison, Heald, Salt, Courtney, Maamria, Monk. Subs: Whitehead, Whittaker, Kielty, Maden, Bates.

Referee: S Graham (Essex)