REPORT | Widnes 1-1 Northwich Victoria

A frustrated Widnes were forced into an extra preliminary round replay in the Emirates FA Cup after Robert Doran’s second half strike cancelled out Ben Hodkinson’s early penalty on Saturday at Townfield.

Both sides created enough chances to win the game but in truth, it was cup-tie between two evenly matched teams that never really got going.

Widnes co-bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey named summer recruits Ben Cartwright, Danny Ventre and Dale Korie-Butler in the starting line-up, with Michael Grogan and new signing Jamie Rainford both missing out as the latter still awaits international clearance.

The hosts, playing at their temporary home at Barnton’s Townfield for the first time this season, flew out of the blocks and were awarded a penalty inside the opening 90 seconds.

Hodkinson latched on to a George Lomax through-ball only to be sent sprawling by Northwich goalkeeper Danny Taberner. Referee Matthew Scholes pointed to the spot, and the Widnes striker dusted himself down to find the top corner with power from 12 yards out.

Steve Wilkes’ visitors had a half-hearted penalty shout turned down as Billy Whittle’s shot was charged down by Phil Doran but referee Scholes waved away any protests for handball.

Widnes were next to go close as Lomax pressed to block Taberner’s attempted clearance, but the ball could only drop harmlessly over the bar.

Playing downhill after the half-time interval, Vics responded well. Widnes custodian Richie Mottram had to be alert to produce a fingertip save to divert Dominic Craig’s rising effort off target.

An equaliser arrived moments later on the 54-minute mark, as former Prescot Cables striker Doran spun away from Cartwright to fire beyond Mottram and into the bottom corner.

The hosts were fortunate that Northwich didn’t quickly increase their advantage as John Connolly couldn’t quite grab a crucial touch to send Doran’s flick-on towards goal.

Widnes grew back into the game but never truly tested Vics goalkeeper Taberner. Jay Roberts had a dangerous cross headed away while Chris Lomax could only hit a tame effort into the gloves of the Northwich shot-stopper after good work by Korie-Butler.

Co-manager Towey came off the bench to force a save out of Taberner, while Widnes’ best chance fell to Cartwright from a Ventre corner but the defender took one touch too many allowing Vics to sweep away the danger.

The two sides will now contest a replay on Wednesday, as Widnes travel to Wincham Park to face Vics for a place in the preliminary round. Kick-off 7.45pm.