WIDNES Vikings play-off hopes were dealt a severe blow with this defeat at the hands of Warrington Wolves.

With the Wolves moving to a new stadium in 2004, this was the last game between the two clubs at Wilderspool and the Wolves probably deserved the win for their more adventurous attacking play.

Having taken an early 10-0 lead, Widnes looked to be firmly in the driving seat but Warrington responded magnificently to rack up 26 unanswered points.

It was prop-forward Robert Relf, probably the Vikings best performer on the night, who opened the scoring when he barged over from close range with Jules O'Neill converting.

Two O'Neill penalties, both for holding down in the tackle by Wolves second-row Darren Burns, had the noisy Widnes following sensing victory.

However, Warrington steeled themselves and on the half hour work by scrum-half Nathan Wood saw namesake Paul force his way over despite full back Stuart Spruce's best efforts.

Just two minutes later and the Wolves were in again as they kept the ball alive miraculously on the last tackle for full back Darryl Cardiss to race over for a try on his home debut.

Graham Appo's conversion sent the sides in level 10-10 at the break.

The home sides were on fire at the start of the second half.

Sid Domic touched down after a fine Brent Grose break and Appo forced his way through a couple of weak Vikings tackles to help his side establish a 20-10 lead.

On 51 minutes Appo turned provider to send half back partner Nathan Wood in for a converted try and the Vikings looked down and out.

To their credit, they fought back and pulled back six points through a Spruce try and spurned a couple more gilt-edged chances as the Wolves tired.

With five minutes remaining, winger Ben Westwood sealed victory for Warrington as he took advantage of a Dan Potter fumble to squeeze in at the corner.

The defeat sees Widnes drop to eighth in Super League with Warrington one place above.

Widnes: Spruce (1t); Potter; Demetriou; Hughes; Devlin; J O'Neill (4g); Sheridan; Relf (1t); Millard; JF O'Neill; Hay; Frame; Bird; Subs: Cantillon; Finnigan; Farrell; Mills.