KEIGHLEY Albion Ladies' steel will help them as they battle out to win the League One play-offs, according to team manager Sarah Lancaster.

Albion finished the regular league season top of the table with 22 points after their games, four points ahead of second-placed West Leeds Eagles Ladies.

Albion now host Halifax this Sunday (October 6) in their play-off semi-final at Cougar Park (2pm kick-off). Free entry but donations welcomed and will go towards the Keighley Albion Ladies Team.

The winners of both semis will meet in the League One play-off final at Manchester Regional Arena on Saturday, October 12 (noon kick-off)

A possible promotion will cap off a fine summer season for Albion, who also reached the last eight of the Coral Women's Challenge Cup quarter-finals, where they lost to Super League side Wakefield Trinity.

Lancaster says her close-knit side have mirrored the mentality of Keighley folk and have performed consistently well all term, ahead of two possible play-off clashes ahead.

Lancaster said: "I'm confident for the play-offs. If we have 13 players and a couple of subs, then fingers crossed.

"We have helped get Keighley back on the map. We play hard and party hard. It's a family, we look after each other.

"People have said it's like rugby league from years ago, we've got a bit of a cult following.

"We have got the Keighley heart and Keighley mentality. We have got sheer steel and determination.

"We have been playing without a permanent coach. We are struggling for players week in, week out."

Three Albion players have also played two tiers above, lining up for Super League side York earlier this season. Emma Templeton, Sarah Shillito and Laura Ackroyd have all played at the higher level.

But Lancaster added her side have struggled to get a full 13 players to start some of their league and cup games this season, having to

She added: "It's been tough but we've got there in the end because we have got a good heart. We do it for each other.

"We have had more fight, more grit and determination. We have struggled with injuries. We had a good strong start to the season.

"It has been a tough season and a long one as the ladies have played back to back rugby since last August.

"We had a number of horrific injuries but still come out on top.

"We thank Albion Committee for all their support through winter season and now through summer season

"Our physio Deeks McDonald, an ex-serviceman, has been working our games for free. Thank you as well to our super supporters. People have travelled to watch us in places like Hull.

Lancaster confirmed Albion will not be playing in the Winter League this year, instead opting to play friendlies and launch a player recruitment drive ahead of next year's summer season which will begin in March.

Albion Ladies is open to all females from 16 years old.

For more information on the team and training, which takes place every Thursday between 6pm and 7.30pm at Crossflatts Cricket Club, Bingley, or for more details on sponsorship opportunities, email sarah.handbag@yahoo.com.