LEIGH'S eighth win in nine games lifted them temporarily up to fifth before the remaining weekend games.

The 16-12 win over 12-man Warrington lifted them into the play-off picture for the first time this year.

Coach Adrian Lam spoke of his pride after the victory over a side that was chasing the League Leaders Shield.

"I am very proud," said Lam. "It is hard to fathom we are in (the top six) at the moment, the way the start of the season unfolded.

"To come away with a strong win was just what we needed."

Of the red card handed to Paul Vaughan, Lam said: "When a team loses a player it is difficult to come back and win.

"Warrington were courageous how they played after that. To be honest I haven't seen it as closely as they have done.

"I thought our sin binning shouldn't have been a sin binning. There is nothing about our club that talks about staying down after hits.

"I am the complete opposite; it's all about 'get up and get on with it'.

"I just want to focus on us and how we have rallied since the halfway part of the season.

"But the minute you fall in love with yourself in this game you get kicked up the backside."

Warrington boss Sam Burgess was not happy with Vaughan's red card 11 minutes into his team's 16-12 Betfred Super League defeat at Leigh.

However, Burgess only wanted to discuss the early flashpoint that saw Australian Vaughan sent-off for a high shot on Owen Trout.

Referee Liam Moore's controversial call was reminiscent of Tommy Makinson's dismissal in Saturday's defeat to Hull KR, which earned the St Helens winger a two-game ban.

Second row Trout left the field for a head injury assessment but later returned to the action.

"It was embarrassing," said Burgess of Vaughan's early exit. "It has become a theatrical game.

"Numerous players were telling players to stay down when we were about to play on.

"They sent him for an HIA, which was convenient," he said sarcastically. "Is it really a red card? Were there mitigating factors? I believe so.

"I would have said yellow. It was such a big call because it had such an influence on the result.

"I can't stress how proud I am of the team. We never stopped trying and we were below average with the ball.

"I have got a team fighting hard for each other. So, I will fight for them and ask a couple of questions.

"What are we going to do to sort out this mess? That was a mess and spoiled a good game.

"Let's hope people in power get a grip of it. I don't think it is a great look."