REPORT: Winsford United 2-2 Widnes

Widnes reached a first competitive cup final in their history with a 7-2 aggregate win over Hallmark Security League Premier Division rivals Winsford United in the Macron Cup.

Already leading 5-0 from the first leg, a 2-2 draw was enough to secure safe progression through to the Final, with Tom Croughan and George Lomax both finding the net for a Widnes side who trailed twice on the night.

Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey’s men will now take on Burscough in the Final on Tuesday 15th May at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium. Kick-off 7.45pm.

With one eye on the Bank Holiday Weekend’s double-header against Irlam and Ashton Athletic, Widnes made five changes to the side that beat Maine Road just 24 hours previously.

Youngsters Tom Croughan and Elliott Jones were handed first Widnes starts, while Sam Sheen returned from a four-month injury lay-off. Jack Graham and Danny Laverty also came into the side.

Already 5-0 down, Winsford were facing a massive ask but Lee Duckworth’s side made a perfect start.

Widnes failed to deal with a long ball that allowed Daniel Osborne to win a header to release Perry Bircumshaw in behind who fired home an opener beyond Richie Mottram.

Having played four games in six games, both sides were understandably fatigued and settled into a steady rhythm.

It was Winsford who looked the more threatening of the two sides, with Scott Taylor getting the better of Dylan Sweeney on the far side but he could only blaze high and wide of the target.

Widnes improved as half-time approached. Ex-Tranmere Rovers forward Croughan did well to engineer space for a cross, finding Lomax with his cut-back. Lomax ran into trouble but teed up Jones to hit one but Winsford keeper Matthew Green made a good save down to his right.

The first real bit of quality that the visitors produced led to an equaliser right on half-time. Jack Banister went on a marauding run forward, playing a one-two with Lomax before bursting into the area. He found Croughan in space, who slotted home into an empty net.

Half-time: Winsford United 1-1 Widnes

6-1 down on aggregate at the break, Winsford were playing for pride in the second half, coming close to regaining the lead as Taylor’s ambitious volley from all of 30 yards rattled the foot of the post before Widnes managed to sweep away the danger.

Widnes enjoyed a decent spell midway through the half. Laverty produced a terrific turn of pace to glide past the challenge of Dean Clarke, finding Banister at the back-post with a delicious cross but Green was on-hand to push his effort away to safety with a great diving save.

Croughan was next to test the Winsford custodian, but Green again got down well as the striker’s long-range effort was beaten away.

Winsford regained the lead 17 minutes from time. Andrew Keogh rode a sliding Kev Pollard challenge and advanced one-on-one with Mottram, applying a delicate chipped finish to beat the on-rushing stopper.

With a point-to-prove, Winsford continued to pour forward as Widnes found themselves camped in their own half. Mottram was tested by a stinging Damian Skolorzynski drive before getting down well to save from Marcin Manko minutes later.

Into second half stoppage time, Mottram was again called upon, this time producing a terrific double save to first block and effort from Osborne, before diving down to his right to get a glove on Bircumshaw’s follow-up.

There were just seconds remaining, but Widnes responded to preserve their current unbeaten run of form and carry their momentum into a decisive double-header with promotion implications.

Lomax caught Winsford skipper Will Foster in possession on the half-way line, and with Winsford’s defence nowhere to be seen, Lomax advanced while keeper Green retreated. The striker was patient, guiding an 35-yard effort beyond the stranded hosts custodian to rubber stamp Widnes’ ticket to Highbury.

Full-time: Winsford United 2-2 Widnes

With a domestic cup final place booked, Widnes’ attention now turns to the end of their league campaign.

Sitting three points clear of Runcorn Town with two games to go, Widnes are in pole position in the race to clinch the second automatic promotion spot to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

First up is Saturday’s trip to Irlam. Kick-off 3pm.