NORTH WALES CRUSADERS scored in the final seconds to secure a thrilling 34-32 victory over Workington Town at Colwyn Bay.

Carl Forster’s side ended a six-match losing sequence and remain on course for a League 1 play-off spot.

Going into the game, Forster strengthened his squad with the addition of Championship player Liam Cooper on an initial one-month-loan deal from Swinton Lions.

The forward began his career at St Helens, where he enjoyed loan spells with Sheffield Eagles, Whitehaven and Halifax before signing for Widnes Vikings.

Workington took an 8-0 lead but Jack Holmes touched down to open Crusaders’ account for the afternoon and reduce the deficit to four points.

The visitors then went 14-4 up but Cru hit back again when Shaun Costello crossed and Ben Lane converted and Cru levelled when Kieran Taylor ran over and it remained 14-all at the break.

It got even better when Cooper scored on his debut before Lane converted to put Cru ahead for the first time.

Workington quickly levelled and although Lane converted a penalty for Cru, the visitors scored a try and converted a penalty to go 26-22 up.

With the game in the latter stages, Workington moved 32-22 ahead but Evans went over and Lane converted to leave Cru 32-28 behind.

And there was late drama when Chris Barratt stormed through the Workington defence and Lane converted to secure victory for Cru.

In a game where former Crusaders coach Anthony Murray returned to Colwyn Bay with Workington, both coaches praised the part the Cru fans play at the club.

Forster said: “I think every coach will sit here and tell you that the fans are the backbone of the club, and they push the lads on - and we’re no different here at Crusaders.

“I think there’s a really good feel around the club with everything happening off the field in terms of the takeover, you can see it’s energised everyone a little bit, and I think it’s fair to say that standards are raising throughout.

“We want North Wales to continue to get behind this team, get behind the club and really drive us to the play-offs.”

During his days in north Wales, Murray led Cru to iPro Sport Cup success during his first full season in charge, as well as clinching a spot in the League 1 play-offs.

He said: “Our 18th man - our fantastic fans - have supported our journey since day one and, without the Crusaders family behind the coaching staff and players, we wouldn’t have had the success we’ve had.”

Oldham moved back to the top of the table after nailing bottom club Newcastle Thunder 60-6.

Cornwall went down 38-14 at home to Rochdale Hornets and Hunslet beat Midlands Hurricanes 25-18.