Long proved Warrington's chief tormentor once again

A last-minute drop-goal by Sean Long broke Warrington hearts and earned St Helens their 18th consecutive victory.

The Wolves looked set for the win when they led 16-10 with four minutes to go following two tries from Chris Riley and another from Matt King.

But Lee Gilmour barged over for a try, converted by Long, to level the match and give Saints a glimmer of hope.

Lee Briers missed with a drop-goal but Long made no mistake from 40m out to clinch another success.

In the driving rain it was cruel on the Wolves who looked set for their first win at Knowsley Road in the Super League era.

They recovered well after conceding two early tries. First Keiron Cunningham marked his 300th Super League appearance with a sixth-minute try, burrowing over from dummy-half.

And on 14 minutes, Warrington fell further behind with Gilmour, James Roby and Matt Gidley combining for Ade Gardner to score his 27th try of the season as Saints looked on course for a comfortable win.

But King shook off Long's tackle to open the visitors' account, with Chris Hicks adding the conversion from the touchline.

606: DEBATE What a match between two fine sides played in awful conditions kyleleeds

Sloppy handling cost Saints on a couple of occasions and Warrington applied the pressure as the break approached, Riley collecting Hicks's clever flick pass to go over in the corner and level the scores.

Hicks missed a great chance to score after the break after Michael Monaghan's kick ricocheted off Leon Pryce.

But Warrington deservedly went in front with a well-worked 70m try on the hour.

Simon Grix took Martin Gleeson's pass and bounced off Francis Meli to send Riley clear for his second try with Hicks adding the extras.

Meli dropped the ball short of the line as Warrington's hard-working defence sensed a famous victory but Saints refused to give in and Gilmour and Long ensured another night of misery for the Wolves.

Saints coach Daniel Anderson:
"We created a lot of opportunities but I must admit I did not think we would win when we trailed 16-10.

"I thought we may salvage a point but did not think we would get both. We dropped the ball more tonight than in the last five games and our opponents tackled well.

"A point each would probably have been fairer. Longy had a very loose night in his own words but still managed to kick the all important field goal."

Warrington coach James Lowes:
"The boys are naturally very disappointed. We worked hard enough to get both points. We defended great throughout the game but you can't give Saints half a sniff.

"We came to St Helens and gave them a good game and it was a cruel way to lose after putting in so much effort."

St Helens: Wellens, Gardner, Gidley, Flannery, Meli, Pryce, Long, Cayless, Cunningham, Graham, Gilmour, Wilkin, Roby.
Replacements: Fozzard, Hargreaves, Clough, Eastmond.

Warrington: Hicks, Riley, Gleeson, King, Penny, Briers, Monaghan, Morley, Clarke, Rauhihi, Mitchell, Westwood, Grix.
Replacements: Parker, Bracek, Cooper, Blythe.

Referee: R Silverwood (Dewsbury)