Doncaster secure League 1 play-off final spot in most dramatic circumstances

James Gordon
Kian Morgan

Doncaster will take on Workington in next week’s League 1 play-off final for a place in the Championship in 2022 after an extraordinary finish at Keighley.

The Dons had trailed for the entire game but dragged themselves level as the hooter sounded with Liam Johnson’s try.

And on-loan half-back Jake Sweeting stepped up to nail the touchline conversion and send them through 28-26.

Keighley had been on the front foot for most of the match, racing in to a 12-0 lead thanks to converted tries from Jack Miller and Hull KR-bound Phoenix Laulu-Togaga’e.

Alex Holdstock went under the posts to get Doncaster, who won a high-scoring clash away at Crusaders last weekend, on the board and Matty Beharrell levelled the scores before the half hour.

A Miller penalty nudged Keighley back in front 14-12 and they once again took control in the second half.

Scott Murrell capitalised on an error to score and then Charlie Graham pounced on a loose ball to go long range and the Cougars led 26-12.

Johnson’s first try gave the Dons hope and then Jason Tali set up a grandstand finish – and at the death, Johnson managed to find a way over down the right hand side and Sweeting kept his nerve in front of the joyous away supporters.

It was a second successive weekend of heartbreak for Keighley – who lost in golden point extra time to Workington last week.

It is now the Dons that go on to face the Cumbrians in the League 1 play-off final at Derwent Park on Sunday for the 14th Championship place in 2022.

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League 1 Doncaster RLFC

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