WARRINGTON Wolves coach Darryl Van de Velde told his players to hold their heads high after defeat to Bradford in Sunday's Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final.

He said: "Afterwards the dressing room was very flat. The players' heads were down and I told them to lift their heads because they had to be proud of the effort they put in.

"I thought we could have won it but it wasn't to be and we've now got to focus on Super League and start accumulating some points."

Van de Velde's team proved they can provide a tough contest for the top teams, despite some dreadful league form going into the semi-final.

Van de Velde said: "The Warrington fans were outstanding today and they have to realise that we do have a capable team.

"We've got to start putting in the performances on a week to week basis now.

"The Challenge Cup has been a major distraction for us but I'm not making any excuses because the responsibility comes back to me and me alone.

"But it has been a distraction and now the focus goes straight back on to Super League."