Wakefield 30-34 Castleford

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats (24) 30
Tries: Morrison, Johnson, Wildie, Tadulala, Dean
Goals: Morton 5
Castleford (22) 34
Tries: Mathers, Isa 2, Davies, Youngquest, Widders
Goals: Orr 5

Castleford gave their play-off hopes a big boost by holding their nerve to beat local rivals Wakefield in an 11-try see-saw Yorkshire derby thriller.

Chris Dean looked to have won it for Wakefield, only for Dean Widders to snatch victory for Cas at the death.

It was a cruel blow for brave Trinity, who had also suffered last-minute heartbreak against Cas on this ground in the Challenge Cup back in May.

Castleford winger Willie Isa ran in two of the Tigers' six tries.

Fit-again Richie Mathers, on-loan Ben Davies and Nick Youngquest also crossed before Widders' burst over the line two minutes from the end secured Cas a win that leaves them needing just one more success to ensure they will extend their season.

Danny Orr added the conversion to complete a successful evening of five out of six kicks.

Dale Morton also kicked five goals for injury-weakened Wakefield, whose other try scorers were captain Glen Morrison, Paul Johnson, Matthew Wildie and Semi Tadulala.

Last weekend's 66-12 defeat by Warrington at Halliwell Jones Stadium was Wakefield's seventh heavy defeat on the trot, taking their 'points against' total in that time to a fearful 362.

But, although losing for the eighth match in a row, this was a much improved performance by John Kear's men.

Cas' victory moves them three points clear of eighth-placed Hull, with Hull KR a further point back in ninth, the only other challengers to the last two play-off places.

But their final two fixtures are both against the Humbersiders, starting at home to Hull on 3 September before the following Sunday's trip to Craven Park.

POST-MATCH ANALYSIS

Wakefield coach John Kear:

"I thought we didn't get the rub of the green. The effort was magnificent but it's a massive wrong decision when a guy steps in touch and it's plain for all to see, then they score in the next set.

"That's why people are out there policing the sidelines, but he's missing it. He put his foot in touch, Cas score and that's a six-point turnaround from that sole decision.

"It's heartbreaking when we've done it tough. We've had four wallopings - three of them against Warrington, Saints and Wigan - and to get a response like that I was very proud of the players. "

Castleford coach Terry Matterson:

"Dean Widders has been great. We're really pleased for him. Everyone likes him and he is what he is - an impact player. Because of our injury situation we've had to leave him out for longer than what's ideal. But he played the last 30 minutes for us and made a difference.

"We're not there yet. Our points for and against could hurt us yet. But, if we play like that in the semi-finals, then we're just going to make up the numbers.

"We had enough chances to put them away but we just didn't get it right. But we found a way to win which is great. And we need this week off more than any. I'd rather be at Wembley any day but we need this weekend off."

TEAMS

Wakefield: Tongia; Morton, Henderson, Dean, Tadulala; Smith, Lee; Amor, Rinaldi, Higgins, Johnson, Morrison, Howarth.

Replacements: Wildie, Tony, Gledhill, Hickey.

Castleford: McGoldrick; Isa, Youngquest, Mathers, Owen; Chase, Orr; Parker, Milner, Massey, Jones, Aspinwall, Hudson.

Replacements: Thompson, Holmes, Widders, Davies.

Attendance: 6,784.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Dewsbury).