Late joy for Pilks at Milford

Pilkington Recs have gone three points clear at the top of the NCL First Division after a last gap win at Milford.
The visitors made four changes coming into this game as Jonathan Frodsham, Kyran Knapper, Mikey Houghton and Mark Ashton came into the team replacing Andy Nisbet, Owain Abel, Tom Connick and Alex McClurg in the squad.
It was a great start for Pilks as they opened the deadlock after just two minutes as Andy Morris powered over to finish off a move. Kyran Knapper converted to make it a six point lead.
That lead was soon doubled as Jamie Smith found a gap to get through and score. Knapper converted once more to make it a 12 point advantage in the first 12 minutes.
Then Milford came back into it. They scored right on the brink of half time and were given another boost as Pilks would start the first ten minutes of the second half without Ryan Hilliard, as the Pilks fullback was sin binned for a professional foul right on the brink of half time.
The hosts took advantage of the extra man in the second half as they grabbed another try. This one went unconverted, meaning Pilks still had a two point lead.
The next try was crucial and it was Pilks who got it as Jon Key got the ball after Milford fumbled a kick in front of the posts and scored. Knapper converted again to make it an eight point lead.
Milford then got level with a try and a penalty within six minutes of the hour mark to make it a grand stand finish.
With the game on a knife edge, Ian Stanley showed great feet to get past the Milford defence and race 30m to score. Knapper converted to make it a six point advantage.
It was a frantic ending, but Pilks managed to hold on for a crucial victory in the race to get back to NCL Premier Division. They now face Oulton Raiders next week, knowing they just need three more victories to go up as champions