Roly Killeen kicked Worthing towards a notable London One win, then spent the tense closing stages watching his side hang on from behind the posts

The Australian centre was yellow-carded for making a tackle after failing to retreat the required distance at a penalty.

That left him standing at the far end as second-placed Canterbury staged a tremendous late assault to try and grab the points.

Worthing held out for an 11-7 win at Roundstone Lane, leaving them still in the promotion race ahead of next Saturday's home clash with leaders Hertford.

Killeen, who had earlier slotted two penalties while his opposite number had an off day, said: "It was a bit nerve-racking watching because they came on really strong but I got back on in the last couple of minutes to help us hold out."

Killeen admitted his yellow card was probably the right decision.

He said: "They took a tap and go and their bloke ran at me. I retreated a bit but then I tackled him.

"We were near our own line so I couldn't have gone back too much further anyway."

Victory completed a notable home and away double for Worthing over the Kent side.

They held on with the help of John Firkin's kicking, a great cover tackle by Ali Coombe and Terry Butler's clean catch after the visitors had opted to chip ahead with a three-on-one overlap.

Worthing led 8-0 after a tremendous first half in which Jamie McLaughlian scored their only try with a sharp break from the back of a scrum.

Coach Ian Davies said: "We have a habit of losing our first game back after Christmas which makes this result all the more pleasing. We just made it more exciting than it should have been by not putting them away."