Remarkable run ends in promotion delight
IRLAM.......................................................... 1 WIDNES FC ................................................ 3
WIDNES FC secured a hugelysignificant win at Irlam last Saturday afternoon to maintain their three-point advantage in second place heading into the final day of the Hallmark Security League Premier Division season.
A goal in each half from Jack Banister and Chris Lomax gave Widnes a twogoal cushion. Matthew Boland replied 13 minutes from time for Irlam but coboss Kev Towey quickly restored the advantage to confirm a deserved win for the visitors.
Towey and joint-manager Steve Akrigg made five changes to the side that booked a place in The Macron Cup final at Winsford United earlier in midweek with Towey, Lomax, Jay Roberts, Phil Doran and Mike Burke all coming into the side.
It was Lomax who made an immediate impact, showing attacking intent from the offset to combine with his brother George to break clear and force an early unproductive corner for Widnes.
The visitors made a slow start by their usual high standards but they began to express themselves around the 20-minute mark as Towey combined with Banister on the left flank with the winger flashing a shot across the face of goal and just wide of the target.
Following some positive attacking play, Widnes took the lead.
A patient, free-flowing move eventually saw Roberts tee-up Banister, who superbly hit an unstoppable curling effort into the far corner of the net beyond the outstretched Lee White.
Widnes came close to doubling their lead 10 minutes before the break, as Banister quickly released Towey inbehind but the move broke down as the co-boss attempted to round White.
Irlam showed glimpses of quality late in the half as Boland forced a save out of Richie Mottram while Jordan Icely fired wide before George Lomax was denied at the other end by a good White stop.
Chris Lomax was a real livewire for Widnes, with the winger bursting in behind again early in the second half but the ex-Runcorn Linnets player could only direct his effort straight at Irlam custodian White.
He then drove a shot across the face of ● goal and wide before Roberts hit a dipping volley that White had to get a glove on to keep out.
There was a sense that a second Widnes goal was coming, and it came on the hour. Towey cleverly split the Irlam back-four with a killer pass, latched onto by Chris Lomax who had the composure to round White and slot the ball into an unguarded net.
Irlam fortuitously pulled a goal back through Boland, as the forward’s effort from just outside the area moved in midflight to completely wrong-foot Mottram and hand the hosts a lifeline.
Marcus Perry then hit one wide for the hosts who had their tails up against a Widnes side who had a gone a bit flat.
But Widnes quickly responded, restoring the two-goal advantage only three minutes later. Mottram hit a pinpoint goal-kick to set Towey on his way, who managed to evade the offside trap and lob a delightful finish over the head of the stranded White.
Widnes saw out the remainder of the game resolutely, leaving them three points clear of Runcorn Town in second in the Premier Division ahead of their Bank Holiday Monday meeting with Ashton Athletic. ASHTON ATHLETIC.................................. 0 WIDNES FC ................................................ 1 AN EARLY Jack Banister strike sealed promotion to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One West at the first time of asking for Widnes FC at Ashton Athletic on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon.
The winger’s goal was the difference between the sides as he bagged his 12th and most crucial strike of the campaign.
The win ensured that Widnes would join neighbours and champions Runcorn Linnets in gaining promotion from the Hallmark Security League Premier Division, becoming the first North West Counties side to achieve back-to-back promotions since AFC Fylde in 2009.
There were brilliant celebrations after the game, as Widnes were presented with the Premier Division runners-up trophy.
Widnes, knowing that one point would be enough to guarantee promotion, made a positive start. Ben Hodkinson’s flick-on allowed George Lomax to nip in and beat Ben Cartwright to the ball, only to shoot high and wide off-balance.
The key moment came on the eightminute mark. It was a goal that epitomised much of Widnes’s success this season. A free-flowing move saw Jay Roberts bide his team before drilling a low-cross into the area, with Banister making a great run to fire Widnes into an important lead.
Chances were rare, although it was Widnes who looked the more likely to find a second goal as Jack Graham quickly released Banister in behind who raced clear only to trip over his own feet in the penalty area allowing Ashton to clear the danger.
Ashton started the second half positively but it was Widnes who were first to threaten as Hodkinson nodded just over from a dangerous delivery from Banister.
Widnes then had goalkeeper Richie Mottram to thank for preserving their narrow lead. Bram Johnstone’s free-kick deflected off Daniel Regan towards goal, with Mottram making a world-class save to claw the ball away off-balance.
Former Widnes man Dale Korie-Butler had a shot blocked by Mike Burke 15 minutes from time, before the lively Hodkinson threatened again – this time hooking a shot over from close-range after good work by Banister.
Towey and youngster Tom Croughan were brought off the bench as Widnes comfortably managed the last 10 minutes to secure promotion, leading to jubilant scenes between players, staff and supporters.