However, Widnes haven’t completed a game since Saturday 10th December – a 3-0 win over Atherton LR – as Dunn and his team find themselves within an enforced winter break.

Widnes’ final home game of the year against Silsden before Christmas was abandoned on 65 minutes due to thick fog at the Select Security Stadium, with Dunn’s side leading 3-0 before referee Edward Duckworth brought a halt to proceedings.

The Whites were left kicking their heels once more on New Years’ Eve, as Saturday’s clash away at AFC Blackpool was postponed due to the after-effects of a spate of vandalism at the Lancashire club’s Mechanics Ground home.

Widnes will be itching to take to the field on Saturday against a Carlisle City outfit that have made a swift transition to life in the Hallmark Security League First Division following their promotion from the Northern Alliance Premier Division last summer.

James Tose’ side currently sit 10th in the First Division and have reached the quarter-final of the Reusch First Division Cup in their debut season in the North West Counties Football League. They head into Saturday’s game in relatively good form having won four of their last six games in all competitions.

Last time out, the Cumbrians beat bottom club Ashton Town 4-2 at Gillford Park. The hosts recoved from a 2-1 deficit on the hour-mark to pick up all three points, with Michael Reed netting a hat-trick for Tose’s side.

Recent Form

Widnes

Atherton LR (H) – Won 3-0
City of Liverpool (H) – Drew 0-0
Charnock Richard (A) – Won 4-1 (Reusch First Division Cup QF)
Winsford United (A) – Won 2-1, AET (Macron Cup 3R)
Holker Old Boys (H) – Drew 2-2
Alsager Town (A) – Won 2-1

Carlisle City

Ashton Town (H) – Won 4-2
Atherton LR (A) – Lost 1-0
Cheadle Town (H) – Won 2-1
Sandbach United (H) – Lost 1-0 (Reusch First Division Cup QF)
Daisy Hill (A) – Won 2-1
Atherton LR (H) – Won 3-0

Matchday Information

Fixture: Widnes v Silsden
Date: Saturday 7th January
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Select Security Stadium, Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes
Adults: £5
Concession: £3
Under 16s: FREE when accompanied by a paying adult