Crosfields 36 Drighlington 32

DESPITE victory in their final regular-season home game, Crosfields’ faint hopes of automatic promotion from National Conference League Division Two ended today.

They held their nerve late on to edge past Drighlington at Hood Lane in a result which relegated the visitors.

Nathan Taylor crossed for a hat-trick of tries, while Hayden James scored twice for Ian Boden’s side, who must now settle for a place in the play-offs.

Tom Millington and Dan Reid also crossed, but the hosts needed two late Jack Reid penalties to win the game after Drighlington staged a fightback.

“I think our composure at 32-32 saved us,” Boden said.

“Again, errors and penalties cost us. We were slow out of the blocks and were lucky to be ahead at half time.

“We really need to work on putting games to bed when we can.

“Credit to Drig giving it their all today.”

Reid forced his way over in the corner to equalise after the visitors opened the scoring, but some soft Soap defence allowed Drig to open up a 10-point lead.

However, three tries in under 10 minutes gave Soap the advantage at the break.

Millington powered over from close range before Luke Walker broke down the left and found James on his inside to score.

Walker was again involved as his kick was hunted down by Taylor to give Soap a degree of comfort.

James backed up well again to double his tally as Crosfields started the second half well, but impressive full-back Tom Moorby stepped through the defence to get the visitors back into the game shortly afterwards.

Walker sent Taylor galloping down the left wing and over again as Soap again found a response before the winger’s acrobatic finish completed his treble shortly afterwards.

That appeared to give Soap a game-winning lead, but two quick Drighlington tries levelled up the scores with time running out.

However, the visitors were penalised twice in the final five minutes close to their line and Reid converted a brace of penalties to take his side home.

Soap’s final game before the play-offs sees them travel to Saddleworth Rangers on Saturday, kick off 2.30pm.