Workington Town go into their opening play-off game on Sunday on the back of one of their best performances of the season.
They beat second-in-the-table Hunslet 18-6 to confirm a fifth place finish which sets up this weekend’s home clash with North Wales Crusaders.
Coach Anthony Murray said: “We had lost at Oldham on the Wednesday, conceding 40 points so I was looking for a reaction from that.
“The fact that we only conceded six points against a team who are second in the table, confirms I got that reaction and I was impressed by our intensity and energy throughout the game.
“I gave the squad Tuesday night off after playing twice in four days and I know they will be ready for the Crusaders on Sunday.
“We have had two very good games against them this season in the League, and managed to come out on top both times, so that should give us confidence.
“But they will be coming in confident mood after beating Doncaster and then a big win over London Skolars.”
Murray has one major injury concern as Matty Henson suffered suspected broken ribs at the weekend – and he was only recently returned from a cheekbone/eye socket injury.
“I will know more tonight at training but it doesn’t look good for Matty which is a blow.
“But apart from that we have lads back and available from injury and will more or less have everyone else available.
“It’s an important game for us and with home advantage we will be hoping to go one step further in the play-offs.”
Sunday’s game at Derwent Park is the Elimination Final while on the same day Doncaster host Oldham in the qualifying final.
Next week-end, September 10 the losers of the qualifying final entertain the winners of Town’s elimination final.
The other semi-final next Sunday will see Hunslet against the winners of the qualifying final (Doncaster or Oldham) in what is known as the preliminary final.
On September 17, the loser of the second semi-final will play the winners of the first semi-final.
The League One Play-off final will be on September 24 when the winners of the second semi-final will play the winners of the preliminary final.
