LINDSAY ANFIELD expressed her pride as York City Knights Ladies secured their place in the Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final for the first time.

York beat Wigan Warriors 12-4 in their play-off semi-final at Headingley Stadium to reach the Totally Wicked Stadium-held showpiece on Sunday, September 18 (3.30pm).

The Knights will take on Leeds Rhinos Ladies in the final, after Leeds beat St Helens 14-6 in their play-off semi-final.

Having picked up their maiden League Leaders’ Shield last month, the Knights are now seeking a first Grand Final triumph on their bow in the event.

“I was pretty pleased with our performance,” reflected director of rugby Anfield on the display against Wigan. “We spoke about completing and getting through our sets, which we did.

“But Wigan threw everything at us and showed up better than they have done all season. It’s play-off football, so we expected that.

“Picking the team (for the Grand Final) is going to be tough now. At the beginning of the season, we wanted to improve on finishing third last season. We’ve done that.

“To win the League Leaders’, having beaten Leeds and St Helens, is just unbelievable for a team that, this time two years ago, were finishing second-from-bottom.

“I’m so proud of the girls, the club and my staff, who work so hard.”

Anfield had attempted to play down the pressure on her side, despite heading into the contest as clear favourites.

Such strain appeared to be on York though through a scoreless first 40 minutes.

“I think that there were a few nerves and I think people were nervous to make mistakes,” Anfield admitted.

“They were dying with the ball when they could have trusted their team-mate.

“Going into the second half, I thought if we could keep doing what we were doing, we could turn them over at some point. Luckily, we did.”