KEIGHLEY Albion made an impressive start to their Yorkshire Men’s League Premier Division campaign, with a last-gasp 22-16 win at King Cross Park.

Both teams came out firing from the first whistle but Albion were dealt an early blow, losing Jacob Rankin to a bad leg injury in a bruising fast-paced opening.

Albion were first on the scoreboard with a breakaway try from winger Adam Gaunt and Jacob Cox added the extras.

However, the hosts didn't take long to reply with a well-worked try levelling the score 6-6.

The narrow pitch forced a tireless display from Albion's forward pack, with huge defensive efforts from Connor Meegan, Jak Adams and Adam Moore.

Neat footwork from young half back, Evan Jones saw him cross for the visitors, giving Albion a 10-6 lead going into half-time.

The second half continued at a fast pace with both teams coming close.

Jack Kennedy was at the forefront of Albion’s attack, making huge yards and testing King Cross' defence.

But King Cross' half backs then took a hold of the game and through fast hands, a score and a conversion gave them a 12-10 lead.

In a chaotic period soon after, the hosts scored an unconverted try to go six points in front, while tensions flared up and led to a red card for each side, setting up a fascinating 12 versus 12 battle for the rest of the game.

Albion needed a spark if they were to get anything from this game and it was hooker Josh Tenniswood that went over from close range, Cox neatly converting to level the scores.

Keighley News: Josh Tenniswood's converted try drew Keighley Albion level late on.Josh Tenniswood's converted try drew Keighley Albion level late on. (Image: Darren Cox.)

The final few minutes saw both sides tiring and a draw looked a fitting result for both teams and their hard work.

That was until Gaunt had other plans, as he stepped his way through the home defence to cross the try line a minute from time. Cox kicked the goal to warp up a valuable win on the road.

This Saturday, Keighley host Westgate Common at Crossflatts, with kick-off at 2:30pm.

Albion's Academy are also in action, and they will be hoping to get their season off to a winning start when they travel to Rycroft Hammers in Division Six of the YML.