AFTER a gutsy performance in defeat at Moortown, Keighley go into Saturday’s re-arranged SSE Yorkshire Division Two match at home to Knottingley full of heart.

Graeme Sheffield’s team led 13-5 at half-time in what he called a clash of in-form teams before succumbing 15-13 to a late penalty.

Keighley’s director of rugby said: “Moortown were appreciative of our efforts and defensively we were superb but, as usual with Keighley, it has taken us until Christmas to get going.

“They only won it in the last ten minutes after we had been defending for 30 minutes and we have no complaints, other than thinking that we should have been given a penalty late on.”

It was a backs-to-the-wall display that has come at some cost as they picked up four injuries.

Sheffield said: “Winger Luke Carter was most in doubt with an ankle injury after making a try-saving tackle, while flanker Shaun Minikin is carrying a groin problem that has troubled him for several weeks.

“However, they, plus centre Adam Horsfall, who has shoulder and neck injuries, and Will Armitage, who was illegally tackled, have recovered enough to face Knottingley.”

At prop, rugby league convert Dave Smith gets his chance as Sam Booker is unavailable.

Sheffield said: “Dave used to play for Worth Village and he has fitted in well at the club.

“He has come on in leaps and bounds.”

Otley continue their National League Two North campaign at Luctonians, while Old Grovians continue their promotion push with a home match against Hemsworth.

Keighley (home to Knottingley): A Brown; Ja Atkinson, A Horsfall, D McGee, L Carter; R Wilkinson, D Needham; C Spencer, W Armitage, D Smith, M Hagyard, L Sugden, E Barker, J Hannah, S Minikin. Replacements: T Lowther, O Mitchell, D Iliff.