REPORT: Maltby Main 0-2 Widnes

Widnes FC made history on Saturday afternoon as they ran out 2-0 winners at Rotherham-based outfit Maltby Main to record their first-ever FA Vase victory.

In what was a well-contested affair, the deadlock was broken 13 minutes from time as Jason McShane hammered home from close-range after a well-worked Widnes throw-in.

As Maltby pressed for an equaliser, Widnes wrapped things up as Kev Towey raced clear before rounding the keeper, and finding the far corner with his finish.

Widnes joint-managers Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard made three changes to the side that were beaten 3-1 at home to Whitchurch Alport last Monday. Josh Kavanagh was handed his first appearance of the season, replacing Brandon Rigg at right-back. Joe Fielding returned to the starting lineup, replacing Jon Dawson whilst Ryan Malone came in for Tom Mitchell who dropped to the bench.

Widnes started slowly and Maltby came close to an opener inside the opening minute. A loose ball dropped to Matthew Somley in the area, but ‘keeper Kristofer Leigh was on-hand to save Somley’s shot with his feet.

Three minutes later, Somley rolled the ball into the feet of strike-partner Josh Schofield whose shot in the end was tame and comfortably gathered by Leigh.

Widnes then settled into the game and played some good football. Darrhyl Mason headed wide from inside the area. Mason then linked up with Kavanagh before threading a ball through to Jason McShane. His cutback then found the feet of Kev Towey who couldn’t quite muster a shot on goal before the attack broke down.

The opening 20 minutes were played at a frantic pace. It was end to end as both sides shared chances. Maltby’s Jordan Snodin had a go from distance but Leigh made another decent save, tipping the shot over the bar.

‘Keeper Leigh was then involved offensively as his long kick forward released Mason, who effortlessly went past two defenders and closed on goal but was caught in two-minds when it mattered, and could only fire across the face of goal.

Maltby currently ply in their trade in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division; the equivalent to one league above Widnes. The Miners continued to look dangerous offensively as Schofield attempted to capitalise on miscommunication between Mike Burke and Kev Pollard, but could only shoot over the bar.

George Webster and Mason then exchanged neat passes before the former forced a save out of Maltby ‘keeper Danny Rusling before the hosts attempted a free-kick that came straight off of the training ground, but Leigh again saved well from Schofield.

Halftime: Maltby Main 0-0 Widnes

The pace of the game dropped in the second period. Widnes had a sniff at goal in the quiet early stages, with Towey cutting inside but seeing his shot saved well by Rusling.

Widnes’ best chance fell midway through the half. Leigh launched the ball towards Mason who won the flick-on. The ball fell to Jason McShane who audaciously attempted to lob keeper Rusling. McShane managed to beat the keeper, but the ball drifted over the crossbar.

McShane made amends 12 minutes later as the deadlock was finally broken. Josh Kavanagh’s throw-in on the far-side was worked into the area by Widnes, before Jason McShane hammered home from close-range to net Widnes’ first-ever FA Vase goal.

Maltby manager Spencer Fearn made changes and prepared to throw the kitchen sink at Widnes. However, Widnes countered and introduced an additional defender in Tom Mitchell to try and make the game safe. Oliver Lawrence sliced wide for the hosts as they pushed for an equaliser.

Despite Maltby’s search for a leveller, Widnes caught the Miners on the counter-attack and added a second. Widnes cleared a Maltby corner with Danny Laverty picking up the loose ball. He immediately released Kev Towey with the through ball, who raced on to the ball and rounded the on-rushing keeper before finding the far corner with a tidy finish to secure Widnes’ progression.

Fulltime: Maltby Main 0-2 Widnes

Widnes’ win means that they now host Chadderton in the Second Qualifying Round at the Select Security Stadium on Saturday 24th September.

However, Meadowcroft and Pritchard’s side return to league action this coming Thursday night, as they face St Helens Town in a local derby at Town’s temporary home at Prescot Cables. That game kicks-off at 7.45pm.

Maltby Main: Rusling, Greeves, C. Mitchell, Wesley, Lawrence, Snodin, Handley (Daricor 60), S. Mitchell, Schofield, Somley (Nebottam 78), Binney (Cregg 53).

Subs not used: Roberts, Stancliffe.

Widnes: Leigh, Kavanagh, Fielding, Pollard (C), James McShane, Burke, Towey, Jason McShane, Mason (Laverty 84), Webster (Mitchell 87), Graham (Malone 61).

Subs not used: Korie-Butler, Salt.