IT was not a classic, but it was tense with Saints scoring a last gasp winner and for an extra bit of drama prop Alex Walmsley had to leave the game before the end to dash to hospital be with his partner Simone who had gone into labour.

The net result of an evening's hard toil is Saints got the crucial win and Big Al is the father of a baby boy.

All is well that ends well, but Saints gave their fans and coach Justin Holbrook a thorough test of the nerves.

Afterwards Holbrook said: "It was fantastic we came up with the win.

“I thought it was a really good game of rugby league. Wakefield were outstanding and we fought all the way until the very end and got away with it.

“It was my second experience of 'never write off the Saints'.

"We needed it, got it and I’m rapped.

“I thought we started to panic with 25 to go but settled down with 15 remaining. We kept coming and in the end came up with something to win it.”

Holbrook had reverted back to the young half back pairing of Theo Fages and Danny Richardson - and that worked.

Richardson, in particular was outstanding with some of the plays he pulled out of the bag.

“Theo and Danny went ok I thought.

"Jonny Lomax did us a favour at the last minute moving into the centre and did well," Holbrook said.

There was also praise for 19-year-old Matty Lees who made debut off the bench at prop.

Holbrook added: “I was pleased for Matty Lees. He went well in a tough game to make his debut and I thought he did a really good job.

“I have watched him since I came here – and he stepped up and played four really good games in the Reserves so I thought he deserved his chance. He went well.”

Saints needed to win or it would have been season over.

They are now in fifth, a point behind Wakefield, but Wigan travel to Hull tonight.

“I am happy we are still alive with a couple of games to go.

“The beauty of the Super 8s is that everyone plays everyone and for us to know we face Huddersfield next week and could be in a better position is exciting for everyone,” Holbrook said.