IT another day of last-gasp agony for Millom as they lost out in the final few minutes to a drop-goal in a 17-16 defeat to Dewsbury Celtic in National Conference League Division Three.

Millom welcomed back Charlie Emslie, Paul Carter and Noah Robinson – the latter having not played since his concussion in the Challenge Cup against Siddal and looking to continue the form he found himself in before his injury.

Dewsbury managed to hold out an early Millom onslaught and counter-attacked in superb fashion when Danny Crabtree scored out wide for an unconverted try with their first attack of the game.

Millom hit back instantly when player-coach Tom Sibley, who also missed out last week’s draw, powered over from close range to score and Ross Brookes converted from in front of the sticks.

Celtic were under constant pressure from the Millom forwards but they managed to weather the storm and score again when Charlie Heaton burst over the line to score. He converted his own try to give his side the lead once more.

With the visitors leading 10-6 at half time, first score of the second half was always going to be a vital one and it was Millom who got it when a smart kick through was not dealt and Jordan Moyes pounced to score his second try in as many games. Brookes could not convert from the touchline but Millom were now level in the contest.

Millom then scored again when Brookes latched onto the back of a fine passing move to score and converted to put the hosts six points up, only to leave the field injured.

Millom then missed a penalty attempt at goal and on 70 minutes, Dewsbury scored when Billy Yarrow burrowed his way over from close range and Heaton converted to level again.

It seemed like deja vu for Millom as it was the second time in as many weeks that their game had gone down to the wire.

And there was no happy ending again as ex-League One player and Jamaican international Danny Thomas slotted over the drop-goal from close range to seal the win for the visitors.

Connor Terrill was best for Millom, while Danny Thomas put in a superb display to pile more misery on Sibley’s men and keep them winless so far in the league campaign.