Salt: "It was a rollercoaster ride of a game."

Widnes FC interim manager Danny Salt referred to his side's 6-5 defeat at Litherland REMYCA as "a rollercoaster ride of a game."

In an 11-goal thriller at Litherland Sports Park, the hosts raced out to an early 2-0 lead as Alex Ryan and Colin McDonald netted inside the opening 12 minutes before Kev Towey pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time.

Danny Laverty equalised with a sensational strike for Widnes before Towey completed his hat-trick with two further goals to completely turn the game on its head midway through the second-half.

However, REMYCA rallied and drew level thanks to Ryan's second goal and substitute James McGrane before Kev Pollard restored Widnes' lead 12 minutes from time.

Nevertheless, the hosts eventually came away with the points as Tom Foley and Ewan McKevitt scored late on.

Speaking after the final whistle, Salt admitted that Widnes' defeat will be a hard one to digest.

"From a neutral perspective, the game was incredibly entertaining," Salt said.

"However, from our perspective it was very disappointing. We conceded a couple of sloppy goals to find ourselves 2-0 down but did really well to recover and go in at half-time as arguably the better side and back in the game at 2-1.

"We discussed a few matters at the break and I cannot fault the lads for the way they started the second-half. We scored three good goals which left us in a really good position at 4-2 up.

"It's a cliche to refer to football as a rollercoaster ride but tonight truly was. At 4-2, I thought we had enough about ourselves and the experience to shut up shop and win the game.

"We made a couple of defensive errors that allowed them back into the game and I probably would have taken a point at 5-5.

"Coming away from the game, we've scored five goals away from home against a very good side. However, we've not won the game which is very disappointing."

Widnes' next outing comes on Saturday, as Chadderton provide the opposition in the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Vase.

Salt admits that it will be a big ask for the lads to pick themselves up heading into the game.

He said: "It's a massive game for the Club. We have a chance to reach the First Round Proper of the FA Vase, which would be a huge achievement for the Club.

"It comes against Chadderton, who'll be up for the game as they've already beaten us at home already this season.

"Emotions are high and energy levels are low. It'll be a challenge to get the lads up for the game and ready to go.

"We need to get tonight out of the lads' system and their mindset before we go again."