CHORLEY Lynx are heading for the play-offs but fans' celebrations have been muted by speculation linking coach Darren Abram with coaching positions at St Helens and Leigh Centurions.

Abram admitted he had been in talks with his former club Leigh for the post of coach and reports have linked him with the assistant coaching position at Super League club St Helens.

He is one of the most highly regarded young coaches in the game and his success since taking over Lynx has impressed several other clubs.

Lynx finished second on points difference in National League Two following their 38-12 over London Skolars in the capital.

Eric Andrews scored a try for the 15th consecutive match and there were further tries for Blackwood, Stenhouse (2), Smith, Newall with Mark McCully kicking five goals.

A top place spot was denied them the previous day when Sheffield Eagles registered a comfortable victory over Workington.

However Lynx still had to do the business to secure second place over Keighley who finished third on points difference.

Lynx now play Sheffield Eagles away on September 21 in their first play-off match.

The winner goes into the Grand Final at Widnes where victory will win them promotion to National League One. The loser will have a second bite of the cherry meeting winners of play-off matches between the third, fourth, fifth and six placed teams together with bottom place team from the higher division. Dennis Ramsdale, manager of Chorley Sporting Club, said: "We were disappointed losing to York the weekend before last which probably ended our hopes of finishing top.

"But it is good to have your off day in the league than in the play-offs.

"York were a very big, physical side on a very tight pitch."

"We've got a clean bill of health, there are no serious injuries, apart form a couple of broken noses , but you expect that in rugby. Everybody is fine."

Chorley's confidence will be boosted by the fact that they have already beaten Sheffield twice in the league this season.

But this is the crunch match, and Lynx will be desperate to seal their place in the Grand Final and let the others do the sweating over who fills the other spot.

Ramsdale also paid tribute to the Lynx support which has steadily built up over the season.

He said: "The fans have been absolutely fantastic lately.

"A full coach went down to London and they have been very vocal and supportive of the team.

"The players appreciate it and we hope it continues for the bigger matches and I've no doubt it will.

"It is onwards and upwards."