The game was one of two halves, as the first 45 minutes failed to live up to expectations with both sides failing to test their opposing goalkeepers as they were limited to half chances. Widnes had a penalty shout turned down midway through the half as Jamil Campbell-Joseph appeared to have been brought down in the area. However, referee Alec Walker waved away the visitors' protests.

The best chance of the first half fell to Halebank as a free-kick from the right managed to find it's way through towards the backpost where the ball was turned over by the hosts no.5 from at least two yards out.

The game was crying out for a goal as it headed into the second half. The goal eventually did come midway through the half as Halebank were awarded a dubious penalty. Perry took the penalty and beat Widnes keeper Rob Cork with a great spot-kick.

Widnes were now spurned on by the deficit and were piling on the pressure. Luke Edwards saw a free-kick whistle wide of the post whilst strikers Campbell-Joseph and Skarrats saw efforts on goal well-saved by the hosts' keeper. In the midst of the pressure, Widnes saw multiple strikes from just inside the area fly over the crossbar.

Halebank doubled their lead late in the half. Prior to the goal, Widnes defender Gary Williams was "sent-off" as referee Walker forced Widnes boss Steve Hill to substitute the Whites' defender due to dissent. As Widnes were still shuffling the pack and trying to organise themselves, Lee Marshall drove his free-kick into the bottom corner beating keeper Cork with the ferocious drive. Widnes were simply unprepared as the set-piece was taken.

Widnes pulled a goal back late on. Jamil Campbell-Joseph was pulled back in the area which prompted referee Walker to point to the spot. New signing Luke Edwards continued his goal scoring form in pre-season by powering his spot-kick beneath the outstretched Halebank keeper to provide a consolation for the visitors.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, the hosts held on for a well-earned victory over impressive opposition. Widnes' performance had it's positives despite the defeat, as strikers Josh Williams and Campbell-Joseph continued to create chances upfront whilst winger Edwards continued to impress. Daniel Burthem played well in midfield again as Hill got to see midfielders Carlos Christian and Ellis Mavers get their first pre-season game under their belts.

Widnes' next pre-season game is on Tuesday 4th August as they welcome an Accrington Stanley XI to the Select Security Stadium. Kick-off 7:45pm.