York Lokomotive ARLC host Scarborough Pirates on Saturday knowing it is a must-win game if they are to finish in the RL Conference Yorkshire division’s top-four play-offs.

The Lokos had looked set to push on up the table after ending leaders Milford’s 100 per cent record and adding notably to their squad, but late withdrawals again proved costly as they lost 21-18 at lowly Rotherham Giants last time out.

They should have a full team to choose from this weekend, though, as they look to leapfrog their visitors into fourth place.

The Lokos went to Rotherham with only 14 players and fell behind early on, impressive winger Tom Hoben fending off several would-be tacklers to score.

Lokos responded with a close-range try by centre Ben Dent, Liam Watling goaling from the touchline, but, with the game continuing to flow, the Giants retook the lead when full-back Joel Barrett raced over unoppossed. Dan Lynch goaled.

The Lokos again responded as hooker Chris Varley put Dec Malarkey through a gap, Watling converting, but, as the York side tired towards the end of the first half, the hosts took an 18-12 lead into the interval with a converted Scott Houghton try and a Lynch penalty.

Good early pressure at the start of the second half saw the Lokos level, as Malarkey ran the perfect angle onto a pass from Carl Barrow, Watling goaling.

But, while the Lokos’ massive tackling stint stopped the Giants crossing again, Dale Tilford edged the hosts in front with a drop goal and, with eight minutes left, Lynch completed the scoring with a penalty.

Varley, Barrow and Karl Harton played well for the Lokos, with Malarkey the stand-out player.