ST HELENS preserved the season's only unbeaten record but Wigan coach Mike Gregory believes he has discovered a way to get the better of Ian Millward's men.

Saints, Huddersfield's Challenge Cup semi-final opponents, needed a last-gasp drop goal from Sean Long to snatch a 21-21 draw from an enthralling derby at a packed Knowsley Road, where the inconsistent Warriors produced their best form of the year.

Wigan, who beat their arch rivals in all four clashes in 2003, maintained their Indian Sign over Saints after coming from 14-2 down to twice level in a tense second half before edging in front with Andy Farrell's 72nd-minute drop goal.

Long's one-pointer ensured the honours were shared but Gregory believes his side claimed a moral victory after uncovering a weakness in the Saints' armoury.

"I thought we were at our best," he said. "Our defence was strong and, when we picked the pace up, Saints struggled. If you can match Saints with the pace of the game and dummy-half running, you have got a chance."