REPORT: Widnes 0-1 City of Liverpool

Widnes FC must overturn a 1-0 deficit if they are to reach the Reusch First Division Cup final after City of Liverpool claimed a narrow victory in the last-four first leg at the Select Security Stadium.

Tom Peterson’s 33rd minute wonder-strike proved the difference in a closely-fought contest on a bitterly cold Monday night.

Neither side created much in the way of clear goalscoring opportunities as, in a similar story to the league meeting in December, City of Liverpool’s defensive organisation frustrated Widnes.

Joey Dunn made two changes to the side that drew against Litherland REMYCA last time out. Luke J Edwards replaced Sam Sheen whilst Adam Weston came in for Michael Burns. Meanwhile, striker Billy Webb was ruled out as he is cup-tied after turning out for City of Liverpool in the earlier rounds.

The first chance of the game fell to City of Liverpool’s Peterson in the opening minutes as he met Declan Gregson’s cross but could only nod wide of the post.

It was a cagey affair in the opening exchanges as neither side were prepared to take any risks that would leave them with an early deficit.

The game burst into life midway through the half. An excellent sliding challenge from the visitors’ Daniel Dalton prevented Widnes’ George Lomax from firing a shot on goal after a clever ball over the top of Edwards, before Steve Akrigg collected the ball on the edge of the D before unleashing an effort on goal that produced a terrific diving save out of ‘keeper Stephen Longrigg.

The Purples’ then went close as Gregson latched on to a loose Kev Pollard pass before advancing on goal and firing past the post.

City of Liverpool took the lead soon after. It was an incisive counter-attack from Simon Burton’s men as they quickly turned a Widnes corner into their own attack. Gregson released Peterson into space, who cut inside of River Humphreys before curling a wonderful strike in off the underside of the bar, leaving Widnes ‘keeper Owen Wheeler with no chance.

‘Keeper Longrigg was called into action twice in quick succession to prevent Widnes from forcing a quick equaliser. He got down well to push Danny Hand’s low drive to safety, before reacting well to tip Humphreys’ stabbed effort from the resulting corner over the bar.

Halftime: Widnes 0-1 City of Liverpool

After an attritional start to the second period, Dunn looked to his bench for inspiration in the form of Chris Lomax, giving Widnes natural width on the left-hand side, allowing Jack Graham to move into the middle.

Widnes were an improved outfit in the second half and showed signs of recovery as George Lomax penetrated the City of Liverpool defence only to be denied by a robust Allen Weston challenge.

However, the visitors came close to doubling their lead and all-but sealing victory on the night 20 minutes from time. Peterson evaded the offside trap to race clear for City of Liverpool with Widnes ‘keeper Owen Wheeler racing a long way from his goal to firstly charge down Peterson’s effort, before blocking John Connolly’s rebound with his feet.

Substitute David Forbes then should have done better with his effort. After finding himself one-on-one with Wheeler, Forbes completely fluffed his lines and miscued his shot across the face of goal.

Widnes then forced ‘keeper Longrigg into yet another save. Kev Towey picked up a loose ball inside his own half and surged forward, only to be denied by the outstretched glove of the visitors’ shot-stopper.

Chad Whyte was introduced from the bench as Widnes looked for an equaliser in the closing stages. They came close to finding one 10 minutes from time as Graham cut inside and fired a powerful effort inches wide of the upright.

Widnes’ best chance of the half came two minutes from time. Towey brought an aerial ball down well in the area, and look poised to score but couldn’t quite get the ball out from under his feet, allowing Kevin McEllin to make a good challenge to preserved City of Liverpool’s advantage.

Fulltime: Widnes 0-1 City of Liverpool

Widnes return to league action on Saturday as they look to bounce back from their first leg disappointment as Dunn’s side travel to Cumbria to take on Carlisle City before travelling to bottom-club Ashton Town next Tuesday night.

The second leg of the semi-final takes place on Tuesday 14th March at the Delta Taxis Stadium.