Keighley Albion secured promotion to the top flight of the Pennine League with a 24-22 win over Clayton but were made to fight all the way in their final league game of the season.

Playing down the slope Albion started brightly but found themselves 6-0 down after good work from the Clayton forwards.

Albion hit straight back and a set move involving Craig Livock and Richard Blackburn sent Rob Haughey over for Albion's first score which went unconverted.

Albion's defence was looking jaded as a result of playing three games in eight days but was scrambling well to prevent Clayton extending their lead.

Rob Haughey and Daz Jackson made good advantage as Albion took the lead for the first time with Livock touching down in the corner.

Albion missed the conversion and Clayton were soon level at 8-8 after kicking a penalty.

The encounter was swinging from end to end but Albion were starting to have the better of it and a converted try from Jimmy Feather and a touchdown for Wayne Smith extended Albion's lead to ten points.

Clayton hit back in the second period and two tries, one converted, brought the score back to 18-18.

Albion continued to work hard with Blackburn, Jackson Ali Feather and Tom Holland looking to create a further score for Albion.

The vital score finally came thanks to some excellent angled running from Ben Farrar and with Brookes adding the goal it looked like Albion had done enough.

However, Clayton were not giving up and in the final few minutes they progressed downfield and a clever kick from their stand off created a try to make it 24-22 with the conversion to come.

Unfortunately the goal was missed and Albion were left to celebrate promotion in their first season back in the Pennine League.