REPORT | Runcorn Linnets 0-3 Widnes

Derby Day honours belonged to Widnes as three second half goals saw the Whites beat Runcorn Linnets to claim the Reusch Champions Cup on Saturday.

After an attritional first half, the second period belonged to Widnes as Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey’s men signed off in style from the North West Counties League.

The two sides contested the game as winners of both the Premier Division (Linnets) and Macron Cup (Widnes) in the one-off cup final, which is the traditional curtain-raiser for the North West Counties League.

Competitive debuts were handed to summer signings Ben Cartwright, Dale Korie-Butler and Danny Ventre – the latter captained the side in the absence of Kev Pollard and Mike Burke.

Sean Myler and Jack Graham were also amongst the Widnes absentees as they continue their recovery from injuries picked up towards the end of last season, while Akrigg and Towey were only fit enough for the bench.

New signing Jamie Rainford is still awaiting international clearance.

Fellow new additions George Webster and Bram Johnstone were named amongst the substitutes, while former Widnes duo Rory Middleton and Ronnie McCarthy featured for Linnets.

Co-boss Towey spoke of giving 100% and looking to add to the club’s honours list in the build-up to the game, and the Whites played with an intensity similar to that of an end-of-season cup final.

Michael Grogan fired wide early on for Widnes, while the best chance of the opening period fell to Ben Hodkinson who forced a good save out of Linnets keeper Dylan Forth.

Widnes dominated the second half, racing into a two-goal lead as a quickfire double from George Lomax had the Whites cruising to their first piece of silverware in the 2018-19 season.

Hodkinson, who enjoyed a fine end to his season, picked up where he left off in competitive action as he added a third goal 19 minutes from time to complete a resounding victory at the Millbank Linnets Stadium.

Widnes: Richie Mottram, Jay Roberts, Phil Doran, Sam Sheen, Michael Grogan, Ben Cartwright, Chris Lomax, Danny Ventre (c), George Lomax, Ben Hodkinson, Dale Korie-Butler

Widnes subs: Steve Akrigg, Bram Johnstone, George Webster, Tom Croughan, Kev Towey