REPORT | Ashton Town 0-1 Widnes

A goal from Jamie Rainford 10 minutes into the second half earned Widnes a 1-0 victory at Ashton Town on Saturday afternoon.

Widnes made the relatively short trip to the Hallmark Security League newboys, promoted to Division One North after a one-season stay in the Cheshire League.

Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey's men went in search of a second successive pre-season triumph after a 4-0 win at FC BRNESC on Tuesday night.

The Whites had started well with Ben Hodkinson stinging the gloves of Town goalkeeper Thomas Goodwin with a powerful volley before George Lomax struck high and wide of the target after latching on to Michael Grogan's clever through-ball.

Chances were at a premium for most of the half, with Widnes coming within inches of taking the lead six minutes before the break as Phil Doran struck a deflected effort against the foot of the post which bounced away to safety.

Hodkinson again threatened before half-time, engineering space with some good footwork only to fire over.

Changes were made at half-time and it was substitute Rainford who broke the deadlock early in the second half.

Lomax and Jay Roberts exchanged passes on the right-hand side with the latter driving into the area to tee-up Rainford who turned home with a smart finish from close-range.

The former Colwyn Bay striker always looked dangerous for Widnes after his half-time introduction, curling an effort off target after good work by Sam Sheen.

He was involved again nine minutes from time. Fellow new signing Dale Korie-Butler picked out Rainford with a delicious cross towards the back-post, but the striker could only drag a shot across the face of goal and wide.

Widnes almost came close to a second late on as a Korie-Butler corner fell to Grogan in the area who couldn't make solid contact with his effort allowing Ashton to clear away the danger.

The Whites are back in action on Tuesday (24th July) with a trip to Welsh side Gresford Athletic.

Widnes XI: Richie Mottram (GK), Jay Roberts, Phil Doran (Dylan Sweeney 62), Kev Pollard (c), Michael Grogan, Mike Burke, George Lomax, Sam Sheen (Peter Doran 46), Ben Hodkinson (Jamie Rainford 46), Danny Ventre (George Webster 62), Dale Korie-Butler