Keighley 28 Swinton 29: Cougars miss out on promotion as Akin drop goal proves difference

Keighley were controversially relegated last season and had to cope with the tragic death of player Danny Jones during a game at London Skolars in May, so reaching the final was an achievement and only the most committed Swinton fan would have begrudged them a return to the Championship.

Keighley finished second in the table, three points and one place ahead of Swinton and had already missed one chance of promotion when they lost to league leaders Oldham in the play-offs.

Chris Akin’s drop goal 16 minutes from time, which opened a 29-22 lead, proved the difference between the teams in a pulsating final, but Keighley went agonisingly close to snatching promotion in a frantic finale during which they applied 10 minutes of solid pressure to Swinton’s line.

Andy Gabriel’s mazy run almost created a winning try for Keighley and Paul Handforth had a drop goal attempt, which would have sent the game to golden point extra-time, charged down.

Atkin scored the opening try, but Keighley responded with back-to-back touchdowns from Scott Law and the first two of Danny Lawton’s four conversions.

Law powered over from close range and then added a second from Paul March’s offload.

At 12-6 ahead Keighley looked capable of taking control, but Mike Butt and Ben White crossed to edge Swinton back in front.

Paul March again provided the final pass for Josh Lynam to level the scores, but Lawton sent his conversion attempt off target.

Rhodri Lloyd gave them the lead for the third time and, with four seconds remaining in the half, Stuart Littler to put the pacy Shaun Robinson over and give Swinton a 26-16 interval lead.

Keighley’s missed tackles in midfield and a series of unnecessary penalties allowed Swinton to get on the front foot and they went further ahead through an Akin penalty before Oliver Pursglove pulled a try back, Paul March providing the final ball after Handforth had also handled.

Outstanding goalline defence kept Keighley in it as Lloyd, Ben Austin and Rob Lever were all held up over the line, then - after Akin’s one-pointer -player-coach Paul March scored from his own towering kick to set up a grandstand finish.

Keighley Cougars: Guzdek, Gabriel, Lawton, Sheriffe, P White, P March, Handforth, Law, D March, Rawlins, Lynam, Pursglove, Lindsay. Subs (all used) Feather, Bailey, Cherryholme, Tahraoui.

Swinton Lions: Hawkyard, Robinson, Littler, Rothwell, Butt, B White, Akin, James, Ackers, Austin, Thornley, Lloyd. Subs Gallagher, Barlow, Dwyer, A Lloyd.

Referee: C Kendall (RFL).