Manager Michael Ellison, celebrating his 50th game in charge, made three changes to the side previously beaten at Witton Albion with Radcliffe loanee Isaac Lee handed a full debut in midfield.

Widnes started well and Lee really should have marked his first start for the club with a goal.

Jack McGowan's neat touch allowed Steele to release Lee in behind but the youngster lacked any sort of composure and blazed over.

The opening goal came from a Widnes throw-in with Kris Holt cleverly turning his man (perhaps fortuitously) to tee up Steele to arrow a powerful effort into the bottom left-hand corner.

The Whites were good value for their lead and kept an impotent Scholars team at arm’s length in a largely uneventful first half.

Holt cut inside to shoot straight at Matt Sargeant while McGowan missed the target right on half-time.

Chasetown made a tactical adjustment at the break and really should have levelled through Ben Lund after 54 minutes but he wasted his opportunity while one-on-one with Joe Mason, shooting over.

At the other end, Widnes came inches away from a second goal but Sargeant produced a really good save to tip Holt's driven effort over the crossbar.

Both sides then exchanged half chances. Jack Langston hit the side-netting for Chasetown while substitute MJ Monaghan fired wide for the hosts with a snapshot.

Widnes would ultimately hold on for all three points and they were aided when Ryan Shaw was sent off late on for the visitors.