Defender Tom Mitchell grabbed an unlikely brace as Widnes moved into the Hallmark Security League First Division play-off positions with an emphatic 6-0 win away at bottom-club Ashton Town.

Five different scorers found the net as Widnes moved into the top-six for the first time under the stewardship of Joey Dunn, despite just two league defeats since Dunn took charge in September.

Daniel Hand opened the scoring before Luke J Edwards ensured that Widnes lead 2-0 at the break. A Chris Lomax goal was sandwiched between Mitchell’s second-half double before Nathan Quinlan netted his first Widnes goal to complete the scoring.

Manager Dunn made three changes to the side that won 3-0 at Carlisle City on Saturday. Chad Whyte and Adam Weston both dropped to the bench in favour of Billy Webb and Chris Lomax. Meanwhile, defender Steve Akrigg missed out through injury and was replaced by Mitchell.

Widnes started well and should have taken the lead inside the opening two minutes. Dunn’s side moved the ball quickly as Kev Towey released Edwards who surged towards goal but could only shoot narrowly wide of the target.

The visitors took the lead with a well-worked opener on the 10-minute mark. It was intricate build-up play from Widnes that was neatly finished off by Daniel Hand, who played a neat one-two with George Lomax before stroking his shot into the far corner.

Widnes came close to a second but Ashton ‘keeper Mat Hodge came to his side’s rescue. Billy Webb brilliantly turned Marvin Molyneux on the edge of the area but Hodge produced a good stop to tip Webb’s effort over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Widnes added a second. The set-piece came out to Luke J Edwards on the edge of the area, catching the ball with a well-timed volley that took a wicked deflection before nestling in the back of the net.

Widnes were denied a third on three different occasions as the first-half drew to a close. Towey was denied by the face of defender Matthew Smith before ‘keeper Hodge made a smart stop to deny Webb.

Minutes later, Towey was denied in quick succession as Hodge made another save with the Widnes’ talisman seeing a follow-up effort blocked. George Lomax’s rebound looked destined for the net, but a terrific diving header from Molyneux on the line denied Lomax a goal.

Halftime: Ashton Town 0-2 Widnes

After a scrappy start to the second half, Widnes increased their lead to three 10 minutes into the half.

‘Keeper Hodge again produced a good save to deny Webb with George Lomax’s rebound blocked. The loose ball then fell to an unlikely source in defender Tom Mitchell, who diverted the ball home with a cheeky backheel, netting his third goal of the season.

Widnes added a fourth 10 minutes later. After a winning a free-kick on the far-side, striker Towey lifted a magnificent free-kick towards Chris Lomax, who cleverly peeled away from his man before shooting beneath Hodge with a fine, cushioned finish.

Not content with four, Dunn’s side quickly went about trying to extend their lead and quickly added a fifth.

Edwards’ superb delivery into the six-yard area was met by a mammoth Mitchell leap, who rose highest to head home his second goal of the night.

Defender Ryan Fenlon was handed a debut for Widnes as he replaced Mitchell following his move from Avon Athletic. Meanwhile, Nathan Quinlan was introduced for George Lomax as Widnes looked to see the game out.

It was Quinlan who added Widnes’ sixth three minutes from time. Widnes again caused Ashton problems from a set-piece, as Chris Lomax’s corner from the right was met by Quinlan inside the area, who nodded home his first Widnes goal from close-range.

Widnes should have made it 7-0 inside second half stoppage time. Towey produced a superb through-ball to release Edwards through the middle, who managed to evade the offside trap. However, the midfielder was caught in two minds as he closed on goal, failing to connect with the ball allowing Hodge to sweep away the danger.

Fulltime: Ashton Town 0-6 Widnes

Widnes now face a break from league action with a cup double-header.

Joey Dunn’s side face City of Liverpool in the second leg of the Reusch First Division Cup semi-final next Tuesday, but firstly, Widnes host Hallmark Security League Premier Division side Barnoldswick Town in the quarter-final of the Macron League Cup on Saturday at the Select Security Stadium.