KIERAN Sanders turned from hero to villain as North Leigh’s superb nine-match winning start in league and cup was ended when they went down 2-1 at Swindon Supermarine on Saturday.

But the Millers still lead Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West by four points.

They took the lead after 32 minutes through Sanders, who struck a fierce shot past keeper Matt Bulman.

But then just before half-time, Sanders, with studs showing, lunged in to tackle midfielder Chris Taylor and was sent off.

This transformed the game and, on the stroke of half-time, Bradley Gray hit an unstoppable equaliser that flew over Leigh keeper James Foster.

It was backs-to-the wall for North Leigh in the second half, and their defence was breached in the 59th minute by Luke Hopper’s header.

Swindon Supermarine’s Ashley Edenborough was dismissed in the 71st minute for a second yellow card, but North Leigh could not find an equaliser.

North Leigh: Foster, Else (Westlake 52), Hopkins (Cook 79), Turk, White, Hole, Woodley, Osborne-Ricketts, Sanders, McNish, Williams. Sub not used: Seacole. Attendance: 139.