Loss highlights flaws to tackle for new gaffer

NEW Widnes boss Dave Dempsey had mixed feelings following his side’s 1-0 defeat at home to Workington.

The Whites were narrowly beaten by the division’s table-toppers with Ceiran Casson’s 46th minute strike proving to be the winner.

Having only had one training session with the group since taking over as manager, Dempsey spoke with mixed emotions following his first game in charge.

“We wanted the lads to graft more than anything,” Dempsey said.

“I thought we matched Workington in the first 45 minutes. We played with good intensity but once they scored early in the second half, I think we retreated into our shells a little bit.

“I don’t know whether that’s down to fitness or the mindset of the players, I’m not too sure but we will get it right.

“Workington are a good side. We’ve worked on things in a training session on Thursday that you could see glimpses of in the first half and over time that will only get better.

“It’s a new management team working with a group of players who have had a slow start to the season, but there’s a good spirit amongst the boys in the changing room.”

Widnes remain the division’s lowest goalscorers with just three goals in eight games thus far this season.

The Whites haven’t scored in 375 minutes of football, and Dempsey says Widnes must improve in attacking areas moving forward.

“We didn’t create enough and the good chance we did create we didn’t take,” Dempsey added.

“That needs to be addressed straight away but low confidence and not winning games adds to that.

“Whether a new lad comes in or the current boys stake a claim to the shirt, we’ll work on it with lots of repetition over the coming weeks.”