RELIEVED Wakefield boss Andy Kelly paid Leigh the ultimate compliment after his side had scraped through Sunday's Challenge Cup thriller.

"Leigh were magnificent and marvellous," he said. "They deserve the chance to go into Super League.

"I know what it feels like. We were in the same position two years ago and just look how well we've done since."

Kelly conceded his side had been lucky to snatch victory.

"We expected a run for our money," he added. "I could offer 101 excuses why we under-achieved and why they over-performed - but all the credit today belongs to Leigh.

"Even when we built up a 12-point cushion in the second half they hit back magnificently. We were lucky to get away with it." Leigh coach Ian Millward was equally upbeat, quick to praise what he called his '17 heroes.'

He said: "Despite the defeat our credibility is enhanced. We've shown we are capable of competing at a higher level.

"It was a tremendous game of Rugby League and one we went into expecting to win. The fact we didn't wasn't down to us.

"Mr Cummings (the referee) decided the winner.

"Had he had the advantage of a replay screen I'm sure he would have allowed the Baldwin and Cruckshank tries and possibly ruled out Maloney's try for Wakefield."

But Millward was keen to praise Trinity for their part in an 11-try thriller.

"Their attack looked as sharp as ours, making for a real spectacle," he acknowledged. "The main difference was the super kicking of Steve McNamara and he might just go on to be the most astute of their 10 new signings.

"But it's all history now. We must re-focus on the league, especially with a big game against Oldham on Sunday."

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