Widnes 3-4 Accrington Stanley XI

Widnes FC ended their 2015/16 pre-season with a 4-3 home defeat to an Accrington Stanley XI at the Select Security Stadium. Steve Hill’s side lead 3-0 before inspired substitutions from the visitors changed the game and handed the victory to the SkyBet League Two outfit.
The game was the last opportunity for Hill and his coaching staff to evaluate his squad for the upcoming season, catching a final glimpse of his players in action before Saturday’s league opener at home to Ashton Town. The visit of Stanley provided Widnes with a welcomed test as they finalised their preparation for the visit of Ashton.

Captain Tom Mitchell returned to the Widnes lineup after missing the previous two pre-season games. Meanwhile, Michael Abnett, keeper Damian Bialozynski and Thomas Moore were given their first taste of action in pre-season.

Widnes took the lead shortly before the 20-minute mark. Jamil Campbell-Joseph burst forward for the hosts from the halfway line. He promptly picked out unmarked Josh Williams who won a penalty for his side after he was fouled in the area by Josh Roberts. Williams stepped up himself and duly dispatched the spot-kick to give his side the lead.

The hosts doubled their lead on the half-hour mark. Alex Davies found space on the right to deliver a cross into the 6-yard area that Stanley keeper Gage Walsh failed to deal with as he dropped the ball into the path of midfielder Daniel Burthem, who tapped the ball home with the goal at his mercy.

The two-goal cushion was no less than Widnes deserved. The side were creating chances and nullifying Accrington’s offensive prowess. They nearly added a third on the stroke of halftime. Burthem’s free-kick caused the Stanley defence issues as they failed to deal with the ball. However, no Widnes player could capitalise on the chance.

Hill made 5 changes at the break, as he took the opportunity to give players a valuable run-out. Keeper Bialozynski came on for Rob Cork whilst Tom Hackett, George McGrogan, Thomas Moore and Ellis Mavers were given playing time.
Widnes came close to extending their lead early in the second period. Striker Williams came close to adding to his goal tally as his free-kick curled inches over the bar.

It was 3-0 two minutes later. Campbell-Joseph again linked up with his strike partner Williams who turned away from his defender before firing a shot beyond the outstretched Walsh to bag his second of the game.

Stanley replied instantly. A brilliant through-ball from Wagas Azam split the Widnes defence and found Max Hazeldine unmarked who promptly finished well beyond the on-rushing Bialozynski.

It soon became clear that the visitors were now on top. With 20 minutes to go, they pulled another goal back. Substitute Tyler Scarth scored a sublime goal as he cut inside from the left and curled his effort into the back of the net.
Five minutes later, it was 3-3. Another Stanley substitute, Isaac Jones grabbed the equaliser as his sublime curling effort hit the foot of the post and found the back of the net.

The visitors completed the impressive turnaround 13 minutes from time. Tom Hackett lost possession cheaply in the midfield and Stanley went on the counter-attack with Reuben Dass applying the finishing touch as he diverted a cross from the right into the back of an empty net.

Despite the losing effort, the hosts produced a very positive performance. Hill’s side produced a terrific opening 45 minutes that will set them in good stead for the upcoming season. The performance will fill Widnes with plenty of confidence as they prepare to welcome Ashton Town to the Select Security Stadium in their opening league game of the season.