NEW Leigh boss Garry Flitcroft was given an instant lift as Genesis hoisted themselves off the foot of the UniBond premier division with a gutsy goalless draw at Frickley Athletic.

The point earned at Westfield Lane in the former City and Blackburn star's first game in charge does little to enhance ailing Leigh's seemingly hopeless bid to avoid relegation.

But Flitcroft, assisted by former City team-mate Mike Quigley, can take heart from a battling display.

Meanwhile, Stalybridge maintained their hopes of making the Blue Square North promotion play-offs for the second successive season by powering to a 2-0 home win over Blyth Spartans.

Steve Burr's side had to wait until midway through the second half before taking the lead through an Andrew Leeson own-goal. But there was nothing fortunate about their second soon after as Lee Ellington rifled in a free-kick awarded for a foul on Steve Torpey.

Hyde United's slide towards relegation continued as they crashed 2-1 at Vauxhall Motors after Chris Simm had given them a 13th-minute lead. Lee Furlong equalised before Tom Hannigan struck a late winner.

KYLE Wilson will be fit to join FC United in the play-offs - if the club qualify. The striker will undergo keyhole surgery next week to cure a knee cartilage problem which has kept him out for two months, but is targeting a comeback in late April.

FC entertain Ashton United at Gigg Lane (7.45pm) tonight boosted by news that midfielder Dave Neville has already returned to training after breaking his ankle.
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