Stockport 28 Warrington 36

HEAD coach Andy Roberts expressed his pride in his Warrington side as they stunned promotion-chasing Stockport.

In what was their first away game of 2019, Warrington shook off the disappointment of back-to-back defeats to secure what many believe is their most eye-catching result of the campaign.

Nathan Beesley crossed twice for the visitors, while Darren Norman’s excellent afternoon saw him score a try and kick five goals.

Luke Gilhooley and Steve Pilkington also crossed for Warrington as they brought a full compliment of points back to Walton Lea Road.

Runaway North One West leaders Carlisle are their visitors on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm, but Roberts says a similar display to this one will see them pull off another upset

“I was proud of every member of the squad,” he said.

“Most of all, I was proud of their self-belief as they refused to surrender to a side which, on paper, should have beaten them.

“We play league leaders Carlisle at home next. If we show the same belief, I know we can win again.”

Stockport scored early on after Tom Wood knocked on from the kick-off, but his side hit back when a bustling Phil Byrne run and an elusive Tom Arnold break led to Norman crossing.

The hosts showed their awesome power up front to score the next try but from the restart, Phil Lynch made 20 metres before handing onto Beesley, who broke and kicked ahead for Gilhooley to win the race to touch down.

Norman’s conversion narrowed the half-time deficit to just two points before Warrington took the lead for the first time after the interval when Beesley crossed in the corner for a try converted by Norman.

A prolonged series of pick-and-drives from the Stockport forwards brought about their third try as the lead changed hands again, but Warrington were doing everything to tire out their bigger hosts.

Beesley scorched over for his second try after Kieran Hughes had picked up a loose pass before Stockport took the lead again with just two minutes to play.

It looked decisive, but a superb Norman penalty nudged Warrington ahead again before Hughes kicked ahead for Pilkington to score and settle the game decisively.