Barry Eaton's drop-goal six minutes from the end gave Widnes a crucial Super League victory against struggling Warrington.

Under newly-appointed coach Paul Cullen, Warrington took their play-off-chasing hosts all the way, only to fall to defeat while down to 12 men.

Widnes went ahead on seven minutes from Adam Hughes' penalty, and then secured their first try with Wolves' Lee Penny sin-binned.

Full-back Stuart Spruce claimed the touchdown.

But Widnes lost their advantage in the 20th minute when Warrington's Jerome Guisset finished off a great move involving Sid Domic, Rob Smyth and Lee Briers, the latter then converting.

Steve McCurrie put Widnes back ahead with a powerful try on the half-hour, and Hughes added the conversion, enough for a 12-8 half-time lead for the Vikings.

Warrington were back on terms early in the second half, when winger Smyth ran on to a Briers chip to go over in the corner.

The home side then lost Spruce, who was dazed as he got in the way of a Mark Hilton run.

Wolves kept battling, and yet again drew level when Guisset scored his second try, Briers kicking the goal.

It was not enough, though, as Eaton sent over the decisive kick, not long after Warrington's Ben Westwood was sent-off for a high tackle on Widnes substitute Paul Atcheson.

Widnes remain in seventh in the Super League table, with Warrington staying second from bottom.

Widnes: Spruce, Dimitrio, Potter, Hughes, Percival, Carter, Eaton, Relf, Cantillon, Stone, Farrell, McCurrie, Frame. Replacements: Mills, Richardson, O'Neill, Atcheson.

Warrington: Penny, Smyth, Domic, Westwood, Appo, Briers, N. Wood, Hilton, Clarke, Laughton, Marquet, Guisset, Burns. Replacements: Mathers, Noone, Fozzard, P. Wood.

Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens)