Match Preview

Next up for Widnes FC is a trip to the Richborough Estates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, for their second pre-season friendly against Congleton Town, kick-off 2.30pm.

Joint Managers Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard will take their side to the Hallmark Security League Premier Division outfit looking to build on Sunday's 2-2 draw against Vanarama National League North side Altrincham, at the Select Security Stadium.

Jack White and a penalty from Tunde Owolabi either side of half-time gave Widnes a 2-0 lead against The Robins, only to be pegged back in the game's late stages, as Danny Hattersley netted a penalty before Damian Reeves slotted home an 83rd-minute equaliser.

Standing in Widnes' way on Saturday afternoon are a Congleton Town side who finished 6th in the North West Counties Football League Premier Division last season, their highest placed finish since the 2009-10 season.

Manager Andy Alston made close to 300 appearances in a Bears shirt before taking over the managerial reigns last November, following the departure of duo Mike McDonald and Steve Hardy.

Congleton began their pre-season campaign on Tuesday night, with a 3-2 victory over NWCFL newcomers City of Liverpool FC.

Speaking after last week's draw against Altrincham, joint manager Brian Pritchard believes that Saturday's game will be a chance for players to show consistent improvement.

He said: "I think the game will be another step on the line.

"Every game, we want to see improvement. We want to see that the lads are listening to us, and I think Saturday will be a chance for players, who have maybe made minor errors or mistakes, have they learnt from them and whether they have moved on or not. If they haven't, then we'll address that issue.

"Every game now, between Saturday and the opener against Prestwich will tell us a little bit more about our team."

For supporters wishing to attend Saturday's game, the address is as follows.

Ground: Richborough Estates Stadium
Address: Booth Street, off Crescent Road, Congleton, Cheshire
Postcode: CW12 4DG

You can also follow live text commentary on the game via our official Twitter account (@Widnes_FC).