Leigh RMI 0 Gravesend & Northfleet 1

GRAVESEND’S long search for three Conference league points finally came to an end against rock-bottom Leigh RMI on Saturday.

A 14-game run without a league win was finally ended as midfielder Andy Drury hit the winner.

Ironically, Fleet’s last league success at the start of October was against Leigh and they can now turn the statistics on their head with a boast of four games without a defeat.

The league’s basement side gave their slim chances of Conference survival little help by the late dismissals of Craig Mitchell and Steve Smith.

Gale force winds battered Hilton Park and chances in front of goal were limited and the football on show far from inspired.

Leigh had gone 17 matches without a win, and had only one once at home this season. Their chances were given a cruel blow as their new striker Michael Reed was stranded in Cumbria due to the bad weather in the North West.

Gravesend welcomed back Paul McCarthy into the team following the defender’s recovery from a broken nose with Zeljko Popovic dropping to the bench.

Fleet were able to soak up Leigh’s early pressure without much effort and had Craig McAllister busy at the other end twice coming close to making a breakthrough. He came close with a curling effort that went just wide.

James Pullen was in great form as he was searching for his second successive clean sheet and he made good saves from Mitchell’s long-range volley and Warren Peyton’s effort.

With Fleet continuing to pose the greater threat, keeper James Mann had to be alert again to deny Roy Essandoh.

Andy Ford’s side finally found a deserved breakthrough as Drury blasted home in the 38th minute.

The second period saw a lot less wind and a more assured display from the visitors.

Fleet were rarely troubled with Jackson and Justin Skinner coming close before Leigh did their chances no good with a double sending off.

Mitchell was first to go after a wild tackle on Skinner and he was soon followed by substitute Steve Smith after his second caution.

Gravesend: Pullen, McCarthy, Bunce, Skinner, Jackson, McKimm, Drury, Protheroe, Saunders, Essandoh, McAllister (Pinnock 65). Subs Not Used: Wilkerson, Popovic, Gledhill, Sidibe.

Attendance: 251.