Widnes FC will look to bounce back from a defeat last time out as Joey Dunn’s side welcome league leaders Litherland REMYCA to the Select Security Stadium on Saturday.

Defeat at Charnock Richard on Tuesday night ended Widnes’ 11-game unbeaten run in the league as Dunn’s side went down 4-2 at Mossie Park. Widnes twice equalised through Kev Towey and Billy Webb after Ashley Young and Samuel Parkinson twice put Charnock ahead in the first half.

Despite a good response early in the second period, Charnock went on to secure all three points as Carl Grimshaw and a Spencer Bibby penalty completed the scoring.

Tuesday’s loss is only the second league defeat inflicted on manager Dunn since he took charge in late September, and he will be demanding a response from his players as they take on the league leaders.

Visitors Litherland REMYCA also saw an impressive unbeaten league run end in midweek, as Phil Stafford’s men were beaten 2-0 at home by a valiant Prestwich Heys outfit.

The loss was REMYCA’s first since November, ending their own 11 match unbeaten run. The defeat also ended an incredible run of eight consecutive victories in the league, as Stafford’s side netted 29 goals which lifted REMY to the top of the table.

Saturday’s fixture is massively important for both sides as they look to cement their places in the fight for promotion.

For Widnes, their promotion chase still remains in their own hands despite losing last time out. With games in-hand on the sides above them, every point is important between now and the end of the season.

A win for REMYCA would keep the pressure on the sides around them in the title race. Currently sitting five points clear having played a game more than their closest rivals, Stafford’s men will be eager to maintain that gap with tough games to come against sides currently occupying a playoff position.

The game also sees two of the division’s best attacks go head to head. In all competitions, the two sides 97 and 100 goals respectively this season and played out an 11-goal thriller in the reverse fixture at Litherland Sports Park in September.

Recent Form

Widnes

Charnock Richard (A) – Lost 4-2
Bacup Borough (H) – Won 2-0
FC Oswestry Town (H) – Won 5-0
Stockport Town (H) – Drew 2-2
Southport (H) – Lost 3-1 (Liverpool Senior Cup QF)
AFC Blackpool (H) – Won 7-0

Litherland REMYCA

Prestwich Heys (H) – Lost 2-0
AFC Blackpool (A) – Won 5-3
Ashton Town (H) – Won 5-1
FC Oswestry Town (A) – Won 4-0
City of Liverpool (A) – Won 4-2
Carlisle City (H) – Won 3-0

Previous Meetings

Litherland came out on top in the reverse fixture at Litherland Sports Park, winning 6-5 in a thrilling game in September. Under interim manager Danny Salt, Widnes twice led 4-2 and 5-4 with Kev Towey netting a hat-trick, but REMYCA eventually came out on top.

Widnes have only beaten REMYCA once in five meetings, with Litherland triumphing on four different occasions.

Joey Dunn looks ahead…

Manager Joey Dunn is expecting a positive reaction from his side as they continue their push for promotion.

"I've made my feelings known to the lads, we can only keep focusing on what we're doing," Dunn said.

"We've only lost two league games since I took over, so I can't be overly critical of the lads.

"We'll be looking to regroup and what better way to do than against the league leaders.

"We'll dust ourselves down and if we get a win on Saturday, it'll start looking different again towards the top of the table."

Matchday Information

Date: Saturday 18th February
Kick-off: 3pm
Location: Select Security Stadium, Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes, WA8 7DZ
Adults: £5
Concession: £3
Under 16s: FREE when accompanied by a paying adult