Warrington 23 Stockport 17

HEAD coach Andy Roberts says not panicking was the key as his Warrington side won their first home game of the campaign.

Having played their first four North One West games on the road, it was a welcome return to Walton Lea and the hosts made full use of home advantage.

They had to come from behind at the break, but they eventually closed out their first victory in three games.

“We beat a good side because we didn’t panic,” Roberts said.

“Our patience was impressive and we showed that we now know how to close a game.

“It was another nail-biter, but we are becoming more mature about our decision-making.”

All five of Warrington’s games had been won or lost by margins of less than 10 points, and another tight game was in the offing on Saturday.

Darren Norman slotted two early penalties to give the hosts the lead, but Stockport came roaring back with two converted tries via a pair of well-executed rolling mauls.

Warrington rallied before the break, though, as their dangerous backs combined to send Nathan Beesley over in the corner and he improved the angle for Norman to add the conversion and ensure they trailed by just one point going into the second half.

After the interval, Warrington probed relentlessly but were met by some resolute Stockport defence.

The visitors converted a penalty to give themselves more breathing space, but the respite was only brief.

Eventually, Warrington’s continuous pressure told as the dynamic Phil Lynch scored close to the posts to give them a lead they would never relinquish.

Norman added the conversion and kicked a further penalty which sealed the victory despite a desperate late onslaught from the visitors.

Warrington face a tough assignment in their bid to make it back-to-back victories in their next game, however, as they travel to league leaders Carlisle on Saturday, October 13.