Better late than never as Widnes bag draws
● WIDNES FC ................................................ 2 1874 NORTHWICH .................................... 2
AFAMILIAR mix of resilience and a never-say-die attitude helped Widnes FC fight back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to salvage a valuable point against 1874 Northwich after a thrilling second half at the Select Security Stadium last Saturday afternoon.
1874 took the lead on the 12-minute mark. Scott McGowan got in behind the Widnes backline and was afforded too much time to drive a low cross towards the back-post where Sam Hind was left unmarked to net with ease.
The visitors took control from this point onwards, spearheaded by the lively McGowan who led the line well for his side. Adam Whitlock hounded Mike Burke into an uncharacteristic error with McGowan picking up the loose ball only to shoot into the grateful gloves of Widnes custodian Richie Mottram.
1874 extended their lead to compound a miserable opening 25 minutes for Widnes. It was a well-crafted move as the visitors worked the ball into the area from a corner with Kazim Waite-Jackson on-hand to guide McGowan’s cutback into the back of the net beyond Mottram.
Winger Brad Smart was looking to make an impression on his home debut for Widnes, as he turned provider as the home side looked to establish a foothold in the game. His well-weighted ball over the top released Andy Gillespie but Jack Lever made a good recovery challenge to force an unproductive corner.
Widnes made a bright start to the second half but it was 1874 who created the period’s first opening as McGowan was again involved, latching on to Paul Connor’s through-ball only to watch in despair as his angled attempt came back off the foot of the post before the hosts scrambled away the danger.
The home outfit were then presented with an opportunity to make inroads in the game as 1874 goalkeeper Greg Hall handled a back-pass in his own penalty area. The hosts were awarded an indirect free-kick, with Smart’s effort crashing against the body of Lee Jackson on its way behind for a corner.
It was from the resulting flag-kick that Widnes pulled a goal back. Luke Edwards’s corner was helped on at the near-post with skipper Kevin Pollard arriving late to find the back of the net with a cushioned volley.
Widnes had their tails up and pushed for a swift equaliser only to let themselves down by overplaying in key areas.
Substitute Billy Webb looked to make an immediate contribution following his introduction from the bench, as he shook off his marker with a fine turn only to see his effort beaten away by Hall.
The 1874 No.1 was in fine form on the day, and he produced a trio of saves 20 minutes from time to preserve his side’s advantage. He was alert to make a double stop to deny substitute Alex Davies and skipper Pollard before making a terrific save to push Tony Donaldson’s deflected drive away to safety.
Since being appointed managers, Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey have instilled a new-found belief in their play- ers that was at the forefront again on Saturday, as Widnes refused to give in, grabbing an equaliser three minutes from time. Webb pressed Jack Lever into an error, quickly picking up the loose ball before driving a shot beyond the stricken Hall and into the roof of the net. BARNTON ................................................... 2 WIDNES FC ................................................ 2 YOUNGSTER Tony Donaldson netted a 93rd minute equaliser as Widnes FC fought back from a 2-0 half-time deficit to salvage a point against Barnton last Wednesday evening.
It looked like Barnton were going to pick up all three points as a Christopher Smith penalty and Jack Irlam put the Villagers’ in front, despite Jay Roberts halving the deficit early in the second half.
However, this Widnes team simply does not know when they’re beaten as Donaldson turned home from closerange to complete the comeback for Steve Akrigg and Kevin Towey’s side, days after a stoppage-time Andy Gillespie goal had rescued a point at Northwich Victoria.
Widnes began like the home side, controlling possession on a pitch that held up remarkably well despite the deluge earlier that day.
Barnton, playing very much on the counterattack, were awarded a penalty with their first meaningful attack. For- mer Widnes man Jason McShane burst into space in the visitors’ backline, before tumbling under Tom Mitchell’s challenge leaving referee Paul Stonier with little choice but to point to the spot.
Villagers’ skipper Smith stepped up and confidently dispatched his spot-kick past Richie Mottram.
The second Barnton goal arrived on the stroke of half-time. Brandon Moores was afforded too much time on the right to swing a cross towards the unmarked Irlam in the area, who managed to get his head on the ball ahead of the glove of Mottram to nod the hosts into a 2-0 lead.
Whatever was said at half-time had an almost immediate impact as Widnes halved the deficit less than five minutes into the second half.
Striker Gillespie did well to hold the ball up and quickly release Roberts into space behind the Barnton backline, presenting the Widnes right-back with bags of time to drive his shot home.
Widnes kept plugging away for an equaliser and deep into added-time their efforts were finally rewarded.
Jack Graham was bundled over 40 yards from goal. With Barnton’s penalty area camped full of yellow shirts, Mike Burke managed to free himself to help Mottram’s free-kick back into the area towards substitute Donaldson, who managed to get his shot away to net his first goal in a Widnes shirt.