A highly successful season on and off the pitch for Widnes draws to a close this weekend and what a season it has been!
Tuesday night saw the Whites crowned Hallmark Security League First Division Champions following a 5-1 victory at AFC Blackpool – coupled with Charnock Richard failing to win at City of Liverpool – and now we can finally get our hands on that trophy!
Widnes had only spent four days at the top of the table over the course of the entire season before being crowned champions. Nevertheless, the title triumph was more than deserved after a phenomenal campaign under Joey Dunn, who since taking charge in September, has only seen his side lose twice in the league and they will look to end the season with a 14th consecutive league win.
George Lomax netted a first half hat-trick on the Fylde Coast with skipper Kev Pollard also on the scoresheet as Widnes raced into a 4-0 lead at the break. Chris Lomax’s late strike put the icing on the cake and sealed promotion to the Premier Division.
Saturday will be a day of celebration at the Select Security Stadium as we have a number of post-match awards to dish out after the big prize is presented immediately following the full-time whistle.
Widnes welcome Daisy Hill to Halton on Saturday who have endured another inconsistent season as the Lancashire-based outfit look consigned to a bottom-half finish.
Despite the goalscoring exploits of Ashley Stott – who has netted 41 goals this season – the Daisies have failed to capitalise despite some impressive results along the way.
Daisy Hill come into the game on a run of three games without a win. However, the run does include a hard-fought goalless draw at home to promotion-chasing Litherland REMYCA.
Last time out, Stott’s 41st goal of the season proved to be in vain as the Daisies fell to a 2-1 defeat at Bacup Borough.
Recent Form
Widnes’ Last Six…
AFC Blackpool (A) – Won 5-1
Charnock Richard (H) – Won 2-1
Chadderton (A) – Won 2-1
Eccleshall (H) – Won 5-0
Silsden (H) – Won 1-0
St Helens Town (H) – Won 8-0
Daisy Hill’s Last Six…
Bacup Borough (A) – Lost 2-1
Litherland REMYCA (H) – Drew 0-0
Cheadle Town (H) – Lost 4-1
Atherton LR (H) – Won 3-2
FC Oswestry Town (H) – Won 3-1
Charnock Richard (A) – Won 3-0
Last Time We Met
These two sides shared the spoils back in October as Widnes twice equalised to draw 2-2 at New Sirs.
Striker Stott put Daisy Hill ahead after four minutes before Kev Towey swiftly equalised 90 seconds later. Towey then missed a penalty before Stott added a second as the hosts lead at the break.
George Lomax levelled 18 minutes from time as Widnes fought back for a point.
Most Recent Meetings
Daisy Hill 2-2 WIDNES – 15/10/16 – First Division
WIDNES 2-1 Daisy Hill – 20/02/16 – First Division
Daisy Hill 4-2 WIDNES – 28/11/15 – First Division
Daisy Hill 0-4 WIDNES – 21/02/15 – First Division
WIDNES 4-2 Daisy Hill – 27/09/14 – First Division
WIDNES 4-0 Daisy Hill – 19/04/14 – First Division
Joey Dunn looks ahead…
Even though the title is already secured, manager Dunn insists that his side won’t take their foot off the gas as they look to end the season with a 14th straight win.
"We want to make sure that we win on Saturday, because 14 straight wins is a remarkable achievement," Dunn said.
"That's one third of the season and that gives us 2.5 points per game since I took over, which is a magnificent record.
"We want to make sure that we finish the job off properly because we're immensely proud of what we've accomplished."
Matchday Information
Date: Saturday 29th April
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Select Security Stadium, Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes, WA8 7DZ
Adults/Concession: 'Pay What You Want'
Under 16s: FREE when accompanied by a paying adult