DURHAM followed up James Weighell's maiden five-wicket haul by reaching 67 without loss at tea, needing a further 171 to win.
They would not be counting any chickens in view of yesterday's collapse from 92 for one to 190 all out and Mark Stoneman could scarcely have been more circumspect.
After driving Keith Barker's third ball of the innings for four he added ten runs in 23 overs before surviving a confident lbw appeal from Jeetan Patel.
Stoneman celebrated his escape by pulling the next ball for four and was on 23 at tea with Keaton Jennings on 42.
Jennings lived more dangerously, edging fours off Barker and Patel and also inside-edging leg-spinner Josh Poysden just wide of leg stump.
Poysden, the stand-in for first innings destroyer Chris Woakes, commanded respect, conceding 12 runs in five overs.
Warwickshire's remaining two wickets added 12 runs after lunch before they were all out for 114, Weighell finishing with five for 33 when Oliver Hannon-Dalby lofted a catch to mid-on.
Graham Onions picked up his thrid wicket when Barker edged to second slip.
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