LATCHFORD Albion’s play-off hopes may have ended in the cruellest possible way.

Their ambitions of gatecrashing North West Men’s League Division One’s top five rest on winning their last game of the season – away at third-place Widnes Tigers on September 21 – and even then, other results must go their way.

Martyn Ellis’ side have been left in this situation following a heart-breaking 36-31 home defeat to Blackbrook, who scored the winning try with the game’s final play.

Matty Rudd’s drop-goal in the closing stages had looked like winning the match for Albion until the late drama ensued.

Albion had staged a fine comeback having trailed 24-10 at the break, with tries from Rudd, Danny Brown and Jake Ashton levelling matters at 30-30.

Rudd also crossed twice in the first half as he completed a hat-trick of tries.