REPORT: FC Oswestry Town 1-4 Widnes

Widnes FC advanced to the Second Round of the Reusch First Division Cup with a comfortable 4-1 victory away at FC Oswestry Town.
Widnes’s unbeaten run under Joey Dunn stretched to four games as a determined defensive display, which was complemented by some clinical finishing set up a home tie against Prestwich Heys on Saturday 5th November in the Second Round.

A Chris Lomax hat-trick – his second in as many games – and a second half Matt Rigby header secured the victory for Widnes, with a 50th minute Tommy Lewis strike proving to be little more than a consolation for Oswestry.

Widnes made one change to the side that beat Whitchurch Alport 5-2 in their last outing. The influential Kev Towey was unavailable for Widnes, prompting manager Dunn to reshuffle his side. Tom Mitchell came in for Towey and started in a 3-man backline, with Chris Lomax partnering brother George up-front as the visitors began with a 3-5-2 formation.

Widnes started the game superbly and raced into an early lead. George Lomax’s relentless pressure forced an Oswestry defender into a mistake, before rolling the loose ball into the feet of Chris Lomax, who continued his excellent run of form with a tidy finish as he slotted the ball beyond ‘keeper George Austin.

It was 2-0 four minutes later. Patient Widnes build-up was a joy to watch as the visitors strung over 20 passes together before Pollard’s long-ball was flicked-on by George Lomax, releasing Chris Lomax who netted his second goal of the game as he calmly lifted the ball over the head of the stranded Oswestry keeper and into the far corner.

Widnes wasted a good chance to make it 3-0 on the 10-minute mark. Chris Lomax turned provider as he threaded a well-weighted ball through to George Lomax who couldn’t quite hit the target with his effort, which sailed past the post.

George Lomax deserved a goal for his endeavour throughout the 90 minutes and came close to finding it as he rose highest to head a Jack Graham cross just over the bar.

Shortly beyond the midway point of the half, Widnes increased their lead to 3-0. The Lomax brothers again combined for the goal as George’s through-ball allowed Chris to evade the offside trap before rounding the ‘keeper and finding the net to complete his second hat-trick in as many games.

Widnes’ third effectively killed the game as a contest but to their credit, Oswestry dug down deep and soldiered on, creating a few decent chances in the process. Fullback Elliot Howes delivered a dangerous cross into the area that was turned over the bar by the swinging boot of Jack Harris.

Widnes played intricately going forward as midfielders Graham, Luke J Edwards and Sam Sheen looked to spread the ball around. Danny Hand played a neat one-two with Graham before eventually working the ball through to George Lomax, who could only slice his effort wide.

The visitors almost gifted Oswestry a goal late in the half as skipper Kev Pollard misplaced a pass which was picked up by Jack Harris, who could only force a save out of Richie Mottram with resulting effort.

Halftime: FC Oswestry Town 0-3 Widnes

Oswestry started the second half the better of the two sides, with Dan Stevens’ half-time team talk having a lasting effect on his players.

Matt Jones’ cross towards the back-post was met by Harris, whose goalbound effort was blocked brilliantly by Mitchell on the line and subsequently cleared.

However, Oswestry eventually found the net less than a minute later. Widnes could only half-clear a ball into the area that was turned home by Tommy Lewis, who drove his shot into the bottom corner.

Widnes initially struggled to adjust to an enforced tactical change at the break. Mike Burke’s withdrawal due to injury saw the visitors switch to a 4-4-2 system. Burke’s replacement Matt Rigby however, made an immediate impact.

Jack Graham played a delicious delivery towards the back-post that was met by Rigby, who directed the ball home with a downwards header to record his first goal for the Club.

Chances were rare in the second half as Widnes focused on seeing the game out defensively, and perhaps tailed off a bit going forward. However, it is yet another victory for Widnes who are playing with some confidence and swagger at the moment.

Fulltime: FC Oswestry Town 1-4 Widnes

Widnes’ victory maintained their recent upturn in form following the appointment of Joey Dunn, scoring 18 goals in the process.

Next up for Dunn’s side is an away game at Daisy Hill on Saturday at New Sirs as Widnes return to league action.

Widnes: Richie Mottram, Daniel Hand, Joe Fielding, Tom Mitchell, Mike Burke (Matt Rigby 46), Kev Pollard (C), Luke J Edwards (Oladimeji Odesanya 81), Sam Sheen, George Lomax, Jack Graham, Chris Lomax.

Subs not used: Nathan Quinlan.