Leigh notched up their first win of the season and imposed even more pain on struggling Forest Green.
The Railwaymen had picked up just one point from their first five outings, but two terrific strikes ensured they would collect the three points and leave the bottom club without any.
RMI had a dream start with a goal within three minutes when Chris Simms controlled the ball on the edge of the box and the defence gave him enough space and time to turn and plant a powerful 20-yard drive into the bottom of the net.
Rovers recovered and fought back, but for all their possession rarely caused Leigh's defence problems and it was the home side that squandered further opportunities to go ahead.
Alex Meechan had four chances to score against his former club, while Simms and new boy Michael Byrne, on loan from Stockport, should have hit the back of the net.
It took another exceptional strike, this time from Leigh's other debutant Ian Fitzpatrick, who was without a club after being released by Shrewsbury.
He gave Leigh a new dimension on the left and at set plays, and struck a 68th minute free-kick which dipped over the wall and keeper Danny Greaves could only help it into the back of the net.
Rovers created few scoring chances but their best efforts were wasted when Jon Richardson blasted over from close range and Steve Cowe failed to get his head to a cross from Des Lyttle after a storming run into the box had beaten three defenders.