AFTER the gutsiest of performances in defeat at Moortown, Keighley go into Saturday’s re-arranged Yorkshire 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.

The director of rugby said: “Moortown were really 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 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 cost, however, as they picked up four injuries.

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

“But we are optimistic that centre Adam Horsfall, who has shoulder and neck injuries, and Will Armitage, who was illegally tackled, will recover in time.”

In fact, Keighley still hope all four will be fit as they have named them all in Saturday’s team.

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

Sheffield said: "I think Dave used to play for Worth Village and he has fitted in really well at the club and is a nice lad.

"He has come on in leaps and bounds and does not take a backward step."

1st XV v KNOTTINGLEY (Yorkshire Two) HOME KO 2:15pm, meet 1pm. 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, S Minikin, J Hannah. Rep: T Lowther, O Mitchell, D Iliff.