Workington Town scored a dramatic 18-16 play-off semi-final win over Keighley Cougars at Derwent Park.
The tie went to sudden death golden point after the sides had finished all square at 16-16 and record marksman Carl Forber popped over a penalty to win it.
That represented heartbreak for the Cougars who had clawed their way back into the game after being 16-6 adrift at the break.
Town had taken the lead on three minutes with a try by Caine Barnes and converted by Forber but within three minutes Keighley were level. Jack Miller got over in the corner and added the conversion himself.
On 16 minutes Town were back in front with a try by Brad Holroyd, converted by Forber. Before the break they consolidated with a second try from Barnes which went unconverted.
The second-half, though, became a nervous affair for Town as Keighley came back strongly. Their young player of the year nominee Charlie Graham scored an unconverted try and in the tense closing stages Miller scored his second try near the posts and converted with just two minutes left.
But Town fans need not have worried. In golden point time the trusty boot of Forber landed the goal that ensured his side would be in the play-off final – and with ground advantage.
Keighley could be back in the final, however, as in next week’s showdown with Doncaster the tie will be at Lawkholme Lane (Cougar Park). Doncaster won 48-34 at North Wales to book their place.
