Whites buzz is back to delight boss Dempsey

DAVE Dempsey highlighted Widnes’ hunger and desire after the Whites followed up Saturday’s 2-0 win against Brighouse by beating Bootle 3-0 on Tuesday.

First half goals from Jordan Southworth and Sam Adetiloye gave the hosts a comfortable half-time lead before John McGrath completed the scoring early in the second period.

Speaking after the game, Dempsey expressed his delight and the buzz that is already emanating from the dressing room less than three weeks into his tenure as manager.

“The hunger, desire and determination from the boys to win games is there,” Dempsey said.

“That wasn’t there when I first came in. I thought we looked a little bit flat and jaded after the Workington game but now there’s a buzz amongst the group.

“The environment is positive - lads are enjoying their football and that’s starting to show on the pitch.

“They’ve ran through a brick wall for me tonight. I can’t ask for any more.”

Dempsey felt that Bootle played into his side’s hands and once the Whites were in front, they didn’t give their in-form visitors a sniff.

“I thought Bootle kept the ball well but I don’t think they hurt us. Everything was side-to-side and backwards,” Dempsey added.

“I can’t remember them having a clear-cut chance in the entirety of the 90 minutes. If teams want to have the ball, we’ll let them but as soon as we get the ball, we’ll attack you with pace.

“To be honest, I thought they played right into our hands.

“We said to the lads to sit off them and then lock on the trigger and we did that - the midfield three in particular were outstanding.

“We didn’t give them a sniff. Ben Hodkinson has scored quite a few goals for them this season but Jack [Hatton] has done a number on him.”

Dempsey provided an injury update on McGrath and Jordan Barrow who both limped off in the second half, while goalscorer Adetiloye was struggling with cramp in the late stages of the contest.

“Sammy will be fine. He probably had a bit of cramp because he’s ran his socks off all night,” Dempsey said. “Jordan has a groin strain. He felt in the warm-up and we probably should have gone with Kenno [Liam Kennington] from the off but I wanted to keep the line-up consistent and it’s backfired a little bit.

“John has a groin problem as well but he’s not played much football – he’s worked really hard for us. We’ll wrap them up in cotton wool and hope they’re both okay for Saturday.”

● RUNCORN Linnets drew 3-3 in their Northern Premier League clash against City of Liverpool on Tuesday. Calum McIntyre’s men are in FA Cup Third Qualifying Round action on Saturday when they entertain Gateshead.