Matty Birchall’s 66th minute goal proved to be enough for the hosts who had to see the game out with 10 men when substitute Eric Byrne was sent off just 24 seconds after his introduction.

It was the Whites who dominated the majority of the first half and created the higher quality chances throughout, but as has been the case before this season, the goals to show for such supremacy were once again sadly lacking.

Manager Michael Ellison made one change to the side that were held at Avro last time out with Kris Holt given the nod over Isaac Lee on his return from suspension.

Elsewhere, there was a place on the bench for new signing Ste Milne.

Widnes made a decent start as Holt struck over after 12 minutes when he might have been better placed playing one further pass to Jay Roberts on the overload.

James Steele then produced a strong save out of Ellis Allen while Jack McGowan could only head straight at the 1874 goalkeeper moments later.

The Whites’ best chance came inside first half stoppage time and it was a gilt-edged opportunity that went begging.

Miscommunication between Allen and Matthew Fenton allowed Steele a free shot at an empty goal but he rushed his effort and scuffed a sitter wide much to the relief of the home faithful.

Moments change games and had Steele converted before the break, Widnes would likely have gone on to record all three points based on the balance of play.

But instead, 1874 were afforded the opportunity to reset and reconsider with a half-time tactical adjustment to a more traditional back-four offering them a greater foothold in the second half.

Fenton Green had a header ruled out for offside after Joe Mason could only parry a Lucas Weir effort, but the linesman spared the Widnes goalkeeper’s blushes.

Northwich did take the lead midway through the half with a hint of good fortune.

Benji Mullarkey’s attempted pass cannoned off the back of Ste Irwin and through Widnes’ defensive line allowing Birchall to provide a deft finish ahead of Mason to score.

It really should have been 2-0 just a couple of minutes later.

Mason’s clearance was intercepted by Birchall but his follow-up shot lacked the pace required to take it over the goalline and Widnes could clear.

Widnes then spurned a glorious chance to equalise with Will Bell missing the target with a free header from a Roberts cross when he really should have converted.

Then came the game’s big talking point.

Substitute Byrne, off the bench a little over 20 seconds earlier, flew into a challenge with his namesake Jack Byrne and was promptly dismissed by referee Mark Hanson.

The youngster could have few complaints… his studs were showing as he overzealously went over the ball with a reckless challenge.

Widnes had around 15 minutes of normal time to rescue points from this game. They somehow didn’t manage despite a catalogue of chances.

Sean Miller crashed the bar with a header while Jack Byrne headed over from a corner inside second half stoppage time.

But the best opportunity fell to the debutant Milne with virtually the last kick of the game, but his shot was cleared off the line as Widnes fell to their fourth defeat in six.