James Glover's penalty from halfway sealed a narrow Betfred Championship play-off victory for York City Knights, who edged out Halifax Panthers 26-24 in a gripping eliminator.
Glover booted York into an early lead and while Ben Kavanagh and Lachlan Walmsley cross to put Halifax 10-2 ahead, Joe Brown and then Will Jubb touched down as York reclaimed a two-point advantage.
Walmsley's second and third tries of the evening lifted Halifax 22-12 ahead at half-time but Liam Harris' converted effort shortly after the resumption reduced arrears to four.
Levi Edwards then brought York level but Glover was unable to add the extras and Halifax nudged ahead once more on the hour mark following Joe Keyes' penalty after a high tackle on James Woodburn-Hall.
The lead, again, did not last long as Glover split the posts when Halifax were offside while another infraction, this time Adam Tangata penalised for a ball steal, gave York a chance to forge ahead.
Glover made no mistake from 50 yards out and although there was late drama, Keyes hit the post with his penalty three minutes from time as York held on to set up a semi-final against Featherstone Rovers.
Batley Bulldogs also advanced to the last four and a clash against shield winners Leigh Centurions after an 18-8 win over Barrow Raiders.
Ryan Shaw's penalty put Barrow ahead but Johnny Campbell's converted try in a nip-and-tuck first half gave Batley a 6-2 half-time lead.
While Alistair Leak touched down to extend Batley's lead, Ellis Gillam's try pegged the Bulldogs back, but Leak scored for a second time under the posts and this time there was no way back for Barrow.
Results:
- Barrow Raiders 8-18 Batley
- Halifax Panthers 24-26 York City Knights
