Gresford Athletic 1-2 Widnes FC

After a welcomed break, football was back. Widnes FC began their pre-season fixture list with a 2-1 victory over Gresford Athletic at Clappers Lane. The Welsh club are the reigning Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) Premier Division Champions with the club preparing to begin life in the second tier of Welsh football, the Cymru Alliance in 2015/16.

Athletic would provide a very stern test for Steve Hill's side who travelled down to Gresford with an 18-man squad consisting mostly of trialists with a few recognisable faces who played a part in Widnes' 2014-15 campaign.

The first half was dominated by the visitors. Widnes looked composed on the ball and were rarely threatened at the back by Gresford as Hill's side created plenty of chances that would have increased the scoreline, had it not been for Gresford goalkeeper who produced a number of fine saves to keep the scoreline at 0-0 for the majority of the opening 45 minutes. Increased match fitness will only serve to improve the side's clinical edge in front of goal.

Widnes finally broke the deadlock 10 minutes before the break. Jamil Campbell-Joseph capitalised on a defensive mishap involving the Gresford back four before confidently stroking the ball beyond the on-rushing keeper to open the scoring for the visitors. That goal will have given Campbell-Joseph a massive boost as he looks to nail down a more regular place in the Widnes squad this season.

Hill's side doubled their lead in first half stoppage time. New signing Luke Edwards set Widnes on the counter-attack down the left-hand side before playing fellow addition Josh Williams through on-goal. Williams was forced away from goal by the goalkeeper which eliminated the chance of a shot for himself before he unselfishly pulled the ball back to the arriving Edwards who made no mistake with his finish, as he rifled the ball into the roof of the net.

Half Time - Gresford Athletic 0-2 Widnes FC

It was a quick turnaround as the halftime team-talks took place on the pitch as the second-half promptly got underway as Steve Hill made 5 changes to begin the half.

The second half saw Gresford come into the game and dominate proceedings. They began to create more chances and cause Widnes trouble at the back. The visitors rarely threatened in the second half and came closest through striker Williams, whose long-range effort on goal narrowly missed the target.

The hosts set-up a nervy finish as 18 minutes from time, a well-worked move from Gresford culminated in a magnificent goal from Owen Roberts, as the striker scored a magnificent volley to give his side a lifeline late-on. However, despite the late pressure from Eddie Maurice-Jones' side, Widnes held on for an opening win to their pre-season programme.

Full Time - Gresford Athletic 1-2 Widnes FC

The referees whistle signalled the end of a good run out for both sides. Widnes will feel that it was a very positive game from their point-of-view as they managed to get 90 minutes out of players such as Danny Lomax as well as getting a solid hour out of Alex Davies who had an injury hit 2014/15 season. Manager Steve Hill will be very pleased with what he saw from his new additions, particularly Jordan Stanley, Daniel Burthem, Luke Edwards and Josh Williams who looked very impressive in their first appearances for the club.

Widnes are back in action on Saturday 25th July as they take on Halebank FC at Blackburne Ave. KO 2PM.