Match Preview

The wait is finally over. Widnes FC kick-off their 2015/16 league campaign with a home game against Ashton Town at the Select Security Stadium. The game comes after a welcomed summer break for Widnes, with Steve Hill’s side looking to begin their season with a very valuable three points.

Hill will be looking for a dramatic change of fortune for his side this term. Widnes lacked consistency last season and were the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ team in the North West Counties First Division. The club completed the double against 8th placed Daisy Hill and recorded big wins home and away against Eccleshall. However, the Whites were on the receiving end of a series of heavy defeats throughout the campaign, something Hill will be looking to avoid this time around.
Widnes come into the game off the back of a solid pre-season, that culminated in a 4-3 home defeat to an Accrington Stanley XI on Tuesday night.

The visitors, Ashton Town, also struggled for league form in 2014/15. The club finished 17th in the First Division table, 8 points behind Widnes who finished one place above in 16th. Town know they must improve on their travels if they’re going to be successful as they only recorded one victory on the road last season; a 2-1 win at Cheadle Town.

Manager John Brownrigg has added the services of former Blackpool defender Danny Coid the side as a player/assistant manager prior to the new season. Coid, who joined Blackpool in 1995, player 263 times for the Seasiders in 16 years at the club before departing in 2011, winning three promotions with the club during his spell.

Ashton come into the game following a pre-season that went well, seeing Brownrigg’s side pickup three victories along the way.

Team News

Widnes begin the season having assembled a strong squad throughout pre-season. Manager Hill will have a full collection of players to choose from ahead of selecting his first 16-man squad of the season.

Winger Luke Edwards will definitely miss out for the hosts as he is unavailable for the fixture. Goalkeeper Grant Hartley is doubtful after failing to see the field throughout pre-season after breaking his finger in a training session prior to the trip to Gresford Athletic in July.

Defender Jordan Stanley is also doubtful after being forced off in the first-half of Widnes’ defeat against Accrington Stanley with a head injury. However, it seems likely that Stanley will partner skipper Tom Mitchell in the heart of the Whites’ defence.

History

Ashton have failed to beat Widnes in the four meetings between the two sides. Widnes have beaten Town twice, whilst playing out a further two draws. Last season, the two sides drew 2-2 at the Select Security Stadium, whilst Steve Hill’s side ran out comfortable 4-1 winners at Edge Green Street last November.

Admission

Adults - £5
Concessions - £3
Under 16’s go FREE

If you can’t make it to the game, don’t forget to follow the club on Twitter, @Widnes_FC, for a live feed of all the action.