Widnes FC folded in the second leg of their Reusch First Division Cup semi-final tie at the Delta Taxis Stadium, as Joey Dunn’s side were beaten 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate by City of Liverpool.

Widnes controlled large parts of the first half but any momentum was firmly halted when an wayward Danny Hand header allowed John Connolly to smash home on the stroke of half-time.

The visitors never really threatened in the second half and David Forbes’ 76th minute strike made Widnes’ task monumental, and it was game over when substitute Sean Cookson found the net three minutes from time.

Manager Dunn made three changes to the side that were narrowly beaten at home to Barnoldswick Town on Saturday. Adam Weston and Tom Mitchell dropped to the bench as they were replaced by Danny Hand and Sam Sheen. Meanwhile, Jamie Clark was ineligible and was replaced by Kev Towey.

The Purples’ held a 1-0 advantage over Widnes from the first leg, with Tom Peterson’s 33rd minute strike proving the difference at the Select Security Stadium two weeks ago.

City of Liverpool posed an early threat as Connolly drilled a pass across the face of goal towards Forbes who couldn’t quite get on the end of it.

Widnes then launched an attack of their own but Joe Camozzi intelligently marshalled Towey out of play after a diagonal ball from River Humphreys.

The visitors started slowly as Forbes again threatened for the Purples. He took advantage of a Humphreys slip to win a free header that was comfortably saved by Owen Wheeler.

Widnes grew into the half as it went on and should have taken the lead on the 18-minute mark. It was a well-worked counter-attack as Hand linked up with Towey who released Chris Lomax with a clever through-ball. The winger opened himself up for a shot but could only drag his effort wide when he perhaps should have tested ‘keeper Stephen Longrigg at the very least.

Dunn’s side went even closer to an opener 10 minutes before the break. George Lomax’s cross-shot from the right flank had Longrigg backtracking towards his own goal, but the City of Liverpool produced a terrific, fingertip save to push the ball away from danger. Chris Lomax quickly pounced on the rebound, but could only find the side-netting.

The hosts took the lead on the stroke of half-time against the run of play. Widnes failed to clear their lines from a corner and were duly punished. Hand’s defensive header was wayward and put his side under pressure, with the ball eventually falling to John Connolly who smashed the ball home from close-range to give the Purples a 2-0 aggregate lead.

Half-time: City of Liverpool 1 (2) – 0 (0) Widnes

A poor second-half showing all-but condemned Widnes to their exit from the competition, as they rarely troubled City of Liverpool who held a comfortable lead.

Matthew Williams volleyed inches wide of the post shortly following the hour-mark with the only noteworthy event of the opening minutes of the second half.

Widnes introduced Chad Whyte in search of an elusive goal, but City of Liverpool all-but put the tie to bed 14 minutes from time.

The visitors were once again punished for failing to clear their lines, as Declan Gregson hooked the ball back into the area where David Forbes was on-hand to find the net from close-range, making Widnes’ aim of progressing to the final a monumental task.

Towey rolled a shot wide of the post with an effort that summed up Widnes’ night, before City of Liverpool booked their place in the final late on with a third goal.

John Connolly found himself in acres of space on the far side but ‘keeper Wheeler made a great save. The ball was still alive however, as substitute Sean Cookson diverted a cross into the back of the net to wrap up a thoroughly convincing win for Simon Burton’s side.

Full-time: City of Liverpool 3 (4) – 0 (0) Widnes

Widnes will be eager to bounce back from Tuesday’s disappointing defeat with a positive reaction at Bacup Borough on Saturday. 3pm kick-off.