Widnes FC 2-2 Chadderton

Goals from James Thomas and Lee Hughes were cancelled out by Matthew Russell and a Tom Mitchell own goal as both teams came away with a point.
Widnes started the better side as they hit Chadderton on the Counter, Bradley Williams broke with pace to find Graham Molloy in the box, unfortunately for Molloy the defender beat him to the ball. Chadderton keeper Dale Latham had a heart in mouth moment when his mis placed pass out found Bradley Williams, but the Widnes winger couldn’t turn his effort goal wards. Chadderton had chances to take the lead when Gerald Forde attempted a lob which went well over and a Russell free kick which cannoned of the post.
The opening goal of the game came on the 40th minute mark, Thomas rushed through on goal to fire home that was his 3rd goal of the week after scoring a brace in midweek against Litherland REMYCA. Soon after his goal Thomas shown fantastic vision to Davies sprinting down the right wing but his cross was headed out for a corner.
Just after half time Carney had a chance to increase the home sides lead but his shot from the outside of the box cannoned back of the post. James Ludgate also tested Latham with a shot from outside the box but Latham done well to cling on to the ball. Chadderton levelled the game up after Gary Williams conceded a penalty, Russell stepped up to send Cork the wrong way on 75 minutes. The away sides lead didn’t last long as 2 minutes later Widnes went back in front, Lee Hughes’ shot from outside the box took a slight deflection which left Latham wrong footed and stranded.
Widnes were only ahead for 10 minutes, Russell’s drilled cross in front of goal was turned into his own net by a sliding Tom Mitchell, bad luck for the centre back. Widnes had a flurry of late chances but were unable to grab the decisive goal. Widnes manager Steve Hill was disappointed to see his side let slip and 2-1 lead and said “I wouldn’t call it a run, it was only two games but it was nice while it lasted, the game was a good advertisement for non-league football. They were two good teams that like to have a go. It was toing and throwing but we had chances and so did they. The fact that we were 2-1 up and we have let the lead slip. They were pushing forward, I thought the penalty was soft but it is what it is.” Widnes travel to league leaders Atherton Collieries on Saturday 23rd August.