IN time, Thursday's 32-18 win may be looked back upon as a real turning point for Warrington Wolves.

By beating Toulouse Olympique and virtually ending any threats of relegation this year, a pressure valve has been released and The Wire head coach Daryl Powell can place even more focus on laying a better foundation for next season and whatever is around the corner under his guidance.

Relief was the overriding emotion at The Halliwell Jones Stadium after Wolves finally put an aggressive and determined Toulouse to bed – albeit with considerable difficulty.

Warrington Guardian: Relief at the end for Ollie Holmes and Daryl Clark, two ex-Castleford Tigers teammates. Pictures: Mike BodenRelief at the end for Ollie Holmes and Daryl Clark, two ex-Castleford Tigers teammates. Pictures: Mike Boden

As Powell’s side conceded a 12-0 lead in an eight-minute spell to trail 18-12 late in the first half, everyone’s thoughts must have been ‘here we go again’.

But the half-time messages sunk in, the defence tightened up, and as the visitors lost their discipline – which led to an 11-2 penalty count against them and two sin-binnings – Warrington kept their cool and focus while racking up 18 unanswered points.

Warrington Guardian: Connor Wrench's second try, and celebrations below, to level matters at 18-18. Pictures: Mike BodenConnor Wrench's second try, and celebrations below, to level matters at 18-18. Pictures: Mike Boden

Warrington Guardian:

They had to be patient as the crucial try from George Williams for an eight-point lead did not arrive until the 69th minute, and it was his little grubber kick that Ben Currie touched down with the last play of the game to rubber-stamp the deal.

Warrington Guardian: George Williams' try which, with the conversion from Stefan Ratchford, moved Wire eight points clear with 11 minutes remaining. Picture: Mike BodenGeorge Williams' try which, with the conversion from Stefan Ratchford, moved Wire eight points clear with 11 minutes remaining. Picture: Mike Boden (Image: Mike Boden)

Warrington Guardian: Ben Currie touches down the final try. Picture: Mike BodenBen Currie touches down the final try. Picture: Mike Boden (Image: Mike Boden)

The Wire came through some adversity, losing second rower Matty Nicholson to a leg injury early on, while winger Connor Wrench scored his second try while carrying a lower limb problem and then exited play.

Warrington’s win was in the bag by the time Stefan Ratchford went off with a head knock, and somehow Matt Dufty got through his home debut despite suffering a tear-jerking poke in the eye early doors and the full-back played an influential role by helping to create three tries.

Warrington Guardian: Matt Dufty in pain after a poke in the eye. Picture: Mike BodenMatt Dufty in pain after a poke in the eye. Picture: Mike Boden

There was no shortage of effort across the board, including from the fans who were behind the team with their chanting and cheering.

It was far from a perfect performance, but it was good enough to end a sequence of four losses and they found a way to get the job done on a night that was ‘must win’ for both teams.