Widnes to face Manx challenge

WIDNES FC have arranged a friendly game in the Isle of Man as their pre-season schedule ahead of the 2018-19 campaign in the Evo-Stik League takes shape.

Southport will visit the Select Security Stadium on the evening of Friday, July 13 as the club’s pre-season campaign gets underway against the National League North side.

Liam Watson’s Sandgrounders were thrashed 5-1 by Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey’s men in the Liverpool Senior Cup last season.

That match is quickly followed with a trip to the TDP Solicitors’ Stadium to renew acquaintances with Phil Stafford’s Bootle outfit on Tuesday, July 17 before heading to Hallmark Security League newcomers Ashton Town on Saturday, July 21 (kick-off 3pm).

Widnes head to Wales on Tuesday, July 24 to take on Gresford Athletic before contesting the Hallmark Security League Champions Cup in a Halton derby clash with Runcorn Linnets four days later (kick-off 3pm).

Cheshire League Premier Division side Billinge provide the opposition on Tuesday, July 31 before Widnes head to the Isle of Man for a friendly encounter with Douglas-based side St Mary’s AFC on Saturday, August 11 (kick-off 2pm).

Admission details for all games and kick-off times for the midweek games will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The club will also be announcing information for supporters wishing to travel to the Isle of Man in the coming weeks.