WARRINGTON Wizards will be hoping to avoid another heartbreaking defeat when they travel to Gateshead Storm on Saturday.

A 21-20 home defeat to Bradford Dudley Hill Demons at the weekend means that Wizards have lost all three matches of the new National League Three season but astoundingly still only have a points difference of minus six.

That is because Saturday's one-point defeat, which occurred after Bradford Dudley Hill grabbed a last-minute drop goal, had been preceded by a two-point loss against St Albans and what now seems like a relative three-point thumping at Coventry.

Wizards' cause has not been helped by a long list of absentees that now includes James Brabin, who picked up an injury against Demons.

But Jon Cole should be available to replace him against Gateshead, who have conceded 178 points in their three matches, while Craig Sutton, Shaun Geritas, Paul Berry and Rob Hayes are all in contention to return.

Those players were sorely missed in the opening stages against Dudley Hill, as the visitors took an early lead thanks to a try from Paul Gleadhill.

Wizards hit back when man of the match Ryan Simpson went over after good work from Steven Smythe and Craig Harris, but Demons made it 10-6 as Gareth Walker crossed.

Shortly after the interval Jack Bradbury put Dudley Hill further ahead, before Simpson registered a second Wizards try and a converted effort from Alan Kilshaw put the home side in front.

Richard Bingley put Demons back on level terms before Harris and Dudley Hill player coach Graeme Hallas traded penalties to set up a tense finish that saw Hallas knock over the decisive drop goal.

Despite the defeat Wizards coach Eddie Harris was proud of the way his players coped with the club's injury problems.

He said: "I had 13 regulars unavailable through injury and illness, but the lads that came in did themselves justice against one of the strongest sides in the competition."

Wizards: Ryan Simpson; Danny Shaw, James Brabin, Iain Fowler, Scott Davidson; Craig Harris, Steven Smythe; Andy Addison, Mick Princic, Neil Smith, Darren Geritas, Matt Taylor, Alan Kilshaw. Subs: Scott Gandy, Luke Worsley, Liam Horrigan, Simon McEvoy.

Any Wizards supporters wishing to travel to Gateshead by coach, leaving the Village Hotel at 9am, should contact Nikki Whalley on 837829.