WARRINGTON lost a close men's Northern Counties Hockey League Premier Division clash with Sheffield Hallam 5-4 after having three players sent off.

Though defeated it was good to see the Warrington side battle and dominate enough to have won and it was positive to see Warrington's pride and will to win through their strong, aggressive and emotive style of play.

If they can harness these facets to their advantage and keep the core team together they will undoubtedly succeed in Division One next season.

Taking stock from their poor season and a realisation that only mathematics provided a glimmer of hope to their Premiership survival Warrington were playing for pride and were not going to go down without a fight against Sheffield.

Even after having a goal ruled out and then falling 2-0 behind, Warrington hit back strongly.

Striker Hunt unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-1.

Warrington's equaliser was then slotted home by Martin following a quick break and clinical passing by Harrington and Worrall.

Warrington took a two-goal lead with a strong strike by Storey and a penalty stroke by Martin but with eight minutes to go the wheels began to fall off as Sheffield drew level.

It was at this point that Warrington were reduced to eight players as three were sent off for over aggressive play - Storey, Hughes and captain Martin.

Sheffield managed to orchestrate another short corner and bulged the net with the winning goal.

Warrington face league leader's Ben Rhydding away this weekend.