Stone a rock in goal as Wids held to draw
pull his shot across the face of goal and wide as the angle diminished.
That sprung Trafford into life who spurned two decent chances before the break. Curtis Miller latched on to a clever through-ball into the area, only to shoot straight at Stone, while the on-loan Mansfield Town shot-stopper would push a Lewis Walters free-kick away to safety minutes later.
Hodkinson had the ball in the net inside first half stoppage time but was denied by the offside flag, although replays showed that Widnes’ top goalscorer was level as the ball was played played.
The second half was equally as tight with both sides struggling to create too many clear-cut chances.
Trafford’s Sam Grimshaw and Widnes’ Rhain Hellawell both fired off target early in the half, while the hosts rolled the dice with the introduction of James Murray from the bench.
The former Witton Albion man could have won it for Widnes 12 minutes from time.
Hodkinson held possession and teed up Murray to drive into the area, only to shoot straight at
●
Cooper as space opened up kindly for the shot.
Sam Sheen then blazed over for Widnes, while Trafford saw their best chance of the game go begging with Stone once again proving to be a reliable last line of defence for the hosts.
Tom Baker launched an incisive breakaway spearheaded by substitute Tom Schofield. His cross fell for Lewis Salmon, who dropped the shoulder to engineer space for a shot that was brilliantly beaten away by an instinctive Stone save.
Stone was again equal to a Salmon effort moments later but neither side particularly threatened as both were forced to settle for a point.
● Widnes’ Integro Cup tie against Leek Town on Tuesday night was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Widnes will be back in action Saturday, December 14 when they take on Brighouse at home.