BRADFORD Bulls have kept their fierce derby rivals Halifax Panthers at arm's length, with interim head coach Lee Greenwood calling the pair's dramatic 22-22 draw at Odsal yesterday "a point gained" in the Betfred Championship play-off race.

The hosts led twice, but were eight points down with 10 minutes to go, only for a converted Brad England try and Dec Patton's last-gasp penalty to salvage a share of the spoils.

Bulls sit fifth in the table, two points clear of Fax, and just one off their pre-season aim of the top four.

Greenwood said: "It does feel like a point gained, because we were the team behind.

"At eight points down with 10 minutes to go, you'll take a draw.

"It was a point gained and I feel it was thoroughly deserved."

Club advisor Brian Noble was away commentating on Wigan's Challenge Cup win over Warrington yesterday afternoon, with Greenwood laughing: "It was a lot quieter and more peaceful in the box without Brian going mad.

"There'll be odd times where Brian can't make it, as it's only a voluntary advisor role and he has other commitments.

"We had had senior lads working the touchline like Michael Lawrence and George Flanagan too, but they were playing, so the head of youth (Ryan Hunkin) stepped up to the headset, and we had voluntary staff running the water.

"It was a big team effort and that sort of galvanised everyone.

"It doesn't really matter if myself, Brian or a player is missing, everyone just slots in and works for each other."

Bulls will be hopeful that the injuries that forced Tom Holmes (knee), Bodene Thompson (ankle) and Fenton Rogers (shoulder) off are nothing too serious.

Holmes appeared to hurt himself early on in the game, but did at least soldier on until nearly the hour mark.