West Park clashes at the double for Widnes
WIDNES face the prospect of taking on local rivals West Park twice in three weeks following the announcement of the first round draw of the Lancashire Trophy.
It’s a competition that Widnes know well after lifting the silverware in 2012.
Lee McDermott’s men were already committed to playing a pre-season fixture against their rivals from just up the road, and now face the prospect of a second game away at Red Rocks on August 27.
The game not only has the added spice of being a local derby, but it also pitches two sides against each other who swapped places in the league structure, with Park promoted from South Lancs Cheshire One replacing Widnes who were relegated from North One West.
If that isn’t enough to whet the appetite amongst supporters, it also means that Paul Woodward – who is now in charge of the St Helens club – will not only be up against his old club, but he will once again be involved in a battle of wits with newly-appointed Wids head coach McDermott, back in charge after a couple of years away.
So, all the ingredients are there for the right to claim the local bragging rights, as well as the prospect of progressing into the next round of the competition with a trip to either Burnage or De La Salle in round two.
The full first round draw is: Broughton Park v Trafford MV, Burnage v De La Salle, Eccles v Manchester, Fleetwood v Warrington, Rochdale v Blackburn, West Park v Widnes.
Meanwhile, numbers at pre-season training continue to increase, with more than 40 players in attendance last week.
The coaching staff of Lee McDermott, Andy McIntosh and Ben Glover are delighted with the efforts of the players so far prompting the head coach to comment: “We are very pleased with the response so far.
“The lads are really buying into what we are trying to do and enjoying all of the training under the guidance of fitness coach Andy Eyres, who is breathing new enthusiasm out there on the train- ing paddock.”
In other news from the club, Tom Farmer has been appointed coach of the second team which will provide some vital stability and help create an environment for the players to make that step up and compete for places in the senior squad.