EVER since the restart, Warrington Wolves have been carefully building momentum.

If the balloon had some air taken out of it by a Challenge Cup semi-final defeat, this game has left it even further deflated.

Defeats to Wigan are always painful in whatever context, but perhaps more so was that The Wire did not seem to have learnt anything from the Salford loss that came before it.

After all, it followed an almost identical pattern – Warrington having enough territory and ball to put the opposition away, not doing so and then allowing them to sneak away with the victory late on.

> What's being said about the game

For the most part, their approach play was pretty encouraging as they showed a willingness to keep the ball alive with offloads.

As soon as they got within 20 metres of the Wigan line, however, it seemed as though they ran into a wall time and time again both physically but perhaps more so mentally.

For a creative department that contains talent of an international standard, that really should not be an issue.

In the main, it has not been since the restart but The Wire must learn to adapt now the weather has taken a turn for the worst.

For a side that prides itself on defence, too, there were worrying signs particularly over on the right edge.

They were slow to react to a kick, which allowed Zak Hardaker to steal in while Liam Farrell’s try was a particular disappointment.

He has made a living out of running the line that got him through for the winning score, so it really should have been telegraphed.

In all, it is now three defeats in a row for Steve Price’s side and while the league loss to Salford by a young side can be mitigated, they only have themselves to blame for the other two.

> VIDEO: Price admits execution is letting Wire down 'at the big moments'

They now find themselves outside the all-important top four with six games of the regular season remaining.

There are tricky fixtures to come and the margin for error is getting slimmer by the week.

In an age where peaks and troughs are in vogue, The Wire are slipping down from the peak of their good form and it is a decline they need to arrest quickly.

INTERESTING NOTES:

. Third defeat in a row in all competitions for Wire

. Warrington have now lost their past three games against Wigan

. Steve Price’s side lose their first “home” game of 2020

MATCH FACTS:

Super League, Round 15

Friday, October 9, 2020

Warrington Wolves...14 Wigan Warriors...18

Wolves: Stefan Ratchford; Josh Charnley, Anthony Gelling, Toby King, Jake Mamo; Blake Austin, Gareth Widdop; Chris Hill, Daryl Clark, Mike Cooper, Jack Hughes, Ben Currie, Jason Clark. Subs: Joe Philbin, Matt Davis, Matty Ashton. Not used: Ellis Robson

Warriors: Bevan French; Dom Manfredi, Willie Isa, Zak Hardaker, Jake Bibby; Tommy Leuluai, Jackson Hastings; Joe Bullock, Sam Powell, Oliver Partington, Joe Greenwood, Liam Farrell, Sean O'Loughlin. Subs: Morgan Smithies, Harry Smith, Brad Singleton, Joe Shorrocks

Scoring: Ashton penalty try, 13mins, Ratchford goal, 6-0; Hill try, 21mins, Ratchford goal, 12-0; Greenwood try, 24mins, Hardaker goal, 12-6; Hardaker try, 44mins, Hardaker goal, 12-12; Ratchford penalty, 50mins, 14-12; Farrell try, 75mins, Hardaker goal, 14-18

Penalties: Wolves 5 Warriors 3

Sin bin: Isa (4mins, tackle in the air)

Referee: Chris Kendall

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