Widnes disappoint in 1-0 defeat away to Oldham Boro.

which came at the expense of a Widnes side who had gone five games unbeaten in all competitions coming into this game.
Oldham came into the game in a run of form that had seen them pick up only six points all season, with their last league win dating back to August 12th; a 3-1 home victory over Ashton Town.
Widnes who were looking for a repeat of the previous fixture between the two sides (a 2-0 victory for Steve Hill’s side in August) started poorly, as centre-back Gary Williams, who was deputising for the injured Tom Mitchell, played a bad pass across the penalty area which Lee Bancroft got to ahead of Matty Lennon. However, the Oldham forward put his shot wide which in truth was a massive early let off for the away side.
They responded well though. Ben Tollitt had Widnes’ first shot on goal minutes later, as he cut inside from the right before trying his luck with a shot that went wide of the post. Their first big chance of the game fell to Matty Lennon just short of the 10-minute mark, as he did well to meet a Bradley Williams corner with a header that he couldn’t direct goalwards, as it sailed over the top of Josh Samberg’s goal.
It was an even start to the game that needed a bit of drive to give it life. Oldham were next to threaten, as Adam Owens’ effort was well saved by David Nevitt, who didn’t really have a lot to do throughout this game for the away side in his return to action after missing Monday’s outing with Ashton Town.
It was a quiet opening thirty minutes, as Oldham were quite comfortable with resisting Widnes’ pressure by keeping possession within their back five. However, Widnes very nearly took the lead moments later, as Tollitt played some good football with James Ludgate before firing a long-distance shot over the bar in what was a really good effort.
The away side went even closer shortly thereafter, as Graham Molloy headed a Bradley Williams corner towards goal that was cleared off the line by Oldham defender Mick Cheetham.
Oldham rarely created any chances throughout the first half, as they were consistently let down by poor deliveries from the right-hand side, the area of the pitch from which they were more dangerous going forward.
The main talking point of the first-half came on the stroke of half time, as Oldham’s right-back Jordan Dainty was sent off for a second bookable offence for a foul on Ludgate. The home side were furious with the decision as Dainty appeared to win the ball. However, the challenge was a two-footed lunge which the referee obviously deemed as dangerous, which led to the dismissal of the fullback.
Widnes started the second half brightly. Alex Davies did well down the right to deliver an excellent cross towards the back post that picked out Ben Tollitt. However, the man that scored two goals in Monday night’s draw failed to hit the target.
It was a terrific start to the second half for Steve Hill’s team, who seemed to be revitalised and hungry for a victory. That hunger was shown again shortly afterwards, as James Ludgate played a brilliant ball into the area that Graham Molloy cannoned against the post. It was another golden opportunity missed by the Widnes striker, as he missed two great chances in last week’s draw at Irlam.
Widnes were made to pay for their inefficiencies in front of goal as Oldham took the lead minutes later which in truth came against the run of play. A corner was sent in by Lee Bancroft that was duly cleared by Widnes. However, the ball fell to Mathew Knowles, who powered home a shot that left Nevitt rooted to the spot.
The away side missed two more great chances shortly before the hour-mark. Tollitt did well down the left to power past Damian Schofield into the area to open up space for the shot that trickled across the face of goal and wide of the post in what was a glorious chance.
Tollitt missed another a minute later. The build up was almost a carbon copy of the previous chance, as Joel Douglas did well down the left to feed Tollitt who this time hit his shot straight at the ‘keeper from virtually the same position on the pitch.
Oldham very nearly went 2-0 up not too soon afterwards, as Schofield headed an Adam Owens corner against the post in what was another let off the away side.
Widnes failed to capitalise on this as they yet again botched an effort on goal. It was Jay Cooper who was provider this time around, as his great ball was headed inches wide by Molloy, who just couldn’t convert one of his many chances.
Steve Hill began to ring the changes after this chance went begging, as Lee Hughes, Danny Burns and Liam Skarrats came on for Gary Williams, Ben Tollitt and Joel Douglas respectively. Burns very nearly repaid Hill’s faith as he worked well down the left with Ludgate, before firing a shot on goal that was well saved by Samberg.
Hughes then came close to equalising for Widnes. His free-kick evaded everyone in the area and it looked to be creeping in before Samberg made an excellent diving save to keep Oldham ahead.
Samberg proved to be the difference-maker as the away side began to pile on the pressure in the closing stages. Alex Davies did well before forcing a brilliant save out of the ‘keeper before Molloy turned the rebound wide. It was another chance that went begging for Steve Hill’s side which ultimately prevented them from rescuing a point, as Oldham held on for all three points.
Ste Hill was disappointed with his side’s performance: “I thought it was a game that we should have won, we created enough chances but you have to put them away. It’s a little bit disappointing, but that’s football.”
When questioned about his side’s start to the season, Hill said that he was pleased with how well the squad is progressing. “The lads are coming on really well. I’m made up with the progress that we’re making, but it would be nice to have a cutting edge to what we do. We’re starting to get it right all over the pitch, but it’s in that final third where the quality is needed to win games.”
Widnes face a break from league action next week, with their next two games coming against St. Helens Town and Prescot Cables in the Men United Cup and the Liverpool Senior Cup respectively. Hill said that he was looking forward to the games. “I am looking forward to it. It’s a little bit of a distraction from the league campaign, with the next two games both being the cup.” Hill went on to add, “But again, the league is our priority but with the squad that we’ve got, we’ll put a good eleven out that will give us the means to win.”