REPORT: Widnes 4-0 Prestwich Heys

Widnes FC booked their place in the quarter-final of the Reusch First Division Cup on Saturday as they recorded an impressive 4-0 home win against Prestwich Heys on Saturday.

Mike Burke and Daniel Hand returned to the side, after being unavailable for the midweek victory at Skelmersdale United, whilst Tom Mitchell and Oladimeji Odesanya dropped to the bench.

The first chance of the game went to Prestwich, when the impressive Baguley sent a free kick over Mottram’s bar after 3 minutes.

There was little between the sides in the opening exchanges, both sides were comfortable on the surface and in possession of the ball.

On 14 minutes however, Widnes took the lead. Kev Towey was on hand in the box to finish off a fine flowing move involving the in-form Lomax brothers George and Chris.

Four minutes later, Towey had another chance after some great interchange in and around the Prestwich box, but his snap shot went over.

On 40 minutes, Chris Lomax had a great chance to extend the Whites lead, but his effort faded wide when he seemed nailed on to score, given his recent form.

Within two minutes, Luke J Edwards then shot over, and you started to wonder if these missed chances when on top may come back to haunt the home side.

However, Widnes were largely dominant for the first half as 'keeper Mottram was a virtual spectator.

Halftime: Widnes 1-0 Prestwich Heys

There was a feeling that if Widnes could get a second Prestwich would struggle to get back into it, and they duly made it 2-0 in the first minute of the second half.

Inevitably Kevin Towey was that man on the spot again as he this time turned home Chris Lomax’s effort form 6 yards out.

It was a disappointing start to the half for Prestwich who never recovered, and on 53 minutes found themselves 3-0 down. This time Towey turned provider and set George Lomax free and his finish was sublime, slipping it past the onrushing ‘keeper.

The Widnes strikers are enjoying a very fruitful partnership this season, scoring 20 between already them since George arrived in late September

Within 3 minutes the game was completely over. Towey once again turned provider as he played in Luke J Edwards who capped off a superb man of the match display by coolly rounding the keeper and slipping it into an empty net.

It was a devastating 10 minute spell for Widnes, but no more than there play up to that point had deserved.

The remaining 30 minutes or so were played at a training game pace, as Widnes comfortably saw the game out without Mottram having to make a single save of note.

The game management of this Widnes side brimming with confidence and belief was spot on.

Fulltime: Widnes 4-0 Prestwich Heys

It was a very pleasing afternoon all round for the Widnes. The home form up to this point had been poor, and in only the 6th home game of the season (out of 22 games played) it was great to see the sides recent form on the road transferred seamlessly to the Select Security Stadium.

In their next outing, Widnes travel to Stockport Town on Saturday, as they finally return to league action where they will be looking to get a few points on the board to improve their current 8th place standing.

Widnes: Richie Mottram, Daniel Hand, Jamie Harkness, Luke J Edwards, Mike Burke, Kev Pollard, Kev Towey, Sam Sheen, George Lomax, Jack Graham, Chris Lomax

Subs: Tom Freeman, Tom Mitchell, Nathan Quinlan, Oladimeji Odesanya, Joe Fielding