Atkin expecting tough Keighley test

Swinton half-back Chris Atkin is expecting a real battle when the Lions face Keighley in the League 1 play-off final on Sunday.

“It’s going to be the toughest game of our season, without a doubt,” he said.

“They’re (Keighley) a good side with plenty of experienced players and in a final, it’s about who turns up on the day and performs better.

“We were disappointed losing to North Wales in the iPro Sport Cup final, but we have a chance now to win some silverware and get promoted back to the Championship.”

Atkin sealed his team’s place in the final with a last gasp drop goal in the semi-final against York last week.

Although he was delighted to score the crucial point, the game is about team success for Atkin.

“It was a really proud moment knocking over that drop-goal last week – the highlight of my career so far,” he said.

“But I’ve got to give the credit to my team-mates – without the hard work the forwards and our backline do, I wouldn’t be able to be in that position to kick a drop-goal.

“They’ve been great all year, and I’m sure they’ll lay the platform again on Sunday for us to hopefully take that crown.”