BARROW RAIDERS 24

WIDNES VIKINGS 26

WIDNES forced their way into the play-offs with this narrow two-point victory, while Barrow remain in the Championship next season on the back of Swinton’s defeat at Bradford.

It was a game that flowed from one end of the field to the other with Barrow taking an early 8-0 lead.

However, once the Vikings got their nose in front they were determined to seal the win.

Barrow refused to go away and in the final minute, Vikings supporters were cheering the loudest with Barrow in full flow in their bid to snatch the game.

But Shane Toal lost the ball in the tackle and hopes of a home win were dashed.

Barrow meant business from the kick-off when Josh Wood made a crunching tackle on Rhodri Lloyd when the Vikings were threatening.

And when the Vikings were caught offside 20 metres from their own line, Ryan Shaw sent his penalty kick between the posts 2-0.

On seven minutes it was 8-0 to the Raiders when Brad Walker delayed his pass as Luke Creswell joined the attack to round his opposite number Jack Owens to score by the posts for Shaw to convert.

The Vikings went on attack with swift play sending Zac Bardsley-Rowe into space and as he headed for the line Wood, and Creswell came to the rescue with a try-saving tackle as Rowe lost possession.

Further raids saw Tom Gilmore and Liam Kirk halted short of the line prior to Rowe being brought down close to the flag.

However, the pressure finally paid off when Owens prised open a gap to dot the ball down, Gilmore failed to convert 8-4.

On 25 minutes, Tom Walker came on for Barrow and was immediately sin-binned for an alleged trip on Lloyd who crossed the home line after a neat ball from Lyons, Gilmore adding the goal 8-10.

Matty Fozzard was almost over minutes later, but the ball went to ground with Broadbent sweeping up.

Owen then lost the ball with the line open, but there was no stopping Ryan Lannon on 38 minutes as he touched down for Gilmore to convert 8-16 at the break.

Gilmore kicked a penalty goal early in the second half when Barrow were penalised for a high tackle 8-18.

Barrow threatened through Bulman, who made a darting run to the line, but when approached by defenders put in a kick, but the cover was on hand to avert further danger.

Raiders were now throwing the ball around and when Toal fed Max Clarke the second row forward pulled away in style covering 65 metres to score to the roars of the home fans, Shaw tagging on the goal 14-18.

And when Fozard made a midfield break, Creswell was on hand with a timely tackle.

Brad Walker went close for the home side when he followed up his own kick over the line, but the ball ran dead.

On 58 minutes, Vikings stretched their lead when smart play from Fozard, Gilmore and Owens sent Fleming to the corner.

The cover got across, but Fleming managed to slip the ball to Owens who went over for a try 14-22.

Again Barrow came back strong, Broadbent made good yards before feeding Bulman, who raced down the wing to put in a cross kick, and fellow winger Shaw swooped to gather and score 18-22.

However, within four minutes neat play from left to right saw Mike Butt in at the corner, 18-26.

Barrow, refusing to throw in the tackle, and came back once more when Stack made a strong run parting to Broadbent who went over for Shaw to land a touchline goal 24-26.

But the Vikings managed to hold out to book their place in the play-offs.

Barrow: Creswell, Bulman, Broadbent, Toal, Shaw, B Walker, Johnston, Gillam, Wood, Brown, Clarke, Stack, Emslie. Subs used: Smith, Wilkinson, T Walker, Gittens-Bedward. Referee. Liam Rush. Attendance: 2,953 Mail Man of the Match: Luke Creswell.