Match Preview

After playing out a 2-2 draw at Stockport Town a mere 48 hours ago, Widnes FC are back in action as they take on Cheadle Town as Monday Night Football returns to the Select Security Stadium.

A Luke Edwards brace rescued a point for Widnes, who were twice behind at Stockport Sports Village on Saturday afternoon. The draw means that Steve Hill’s side have picked up a point from their opening two league fixtures after starting their season with a 3-2 home defeat against Ashton Town.

Cheadle come into this game boasting an unbeaten start to their season. Terry Hincks’ side have already hit double figures in the goal scoring tally, having scored 5 in two of their opening three league fixtures. Town opened up with a 5-5 draw at Bacup Borough, in a game that saw Hincks’ side equalise in the 103rd minute after being 4-1 down at halftime, before drawing 1-1 at home to Chadderton in midweek.

Cheadle picked up their first victory of the season on Saturday, running out 5-3 winners at home to NWCFL newcomers Whitchurch Alport at Park Road.
Hincks’ side enjoyed a successful season last term. Cheadle were in contention for a playoff berth throughout large quantities of last season before falling away as the campaign reached its climax. Town eventually finished 10th in the table, 14 points adrift of 6th placed Chadderton.

A win for Widnes could propel Hill’s side as high as 8th in the First Division table; a win for Cheadle could see the Greater Manchester outfit climb to the top of the table if Holker Old Boys fail to win at Daisy Hill.

Team News

Widnes come into the game with no new injury concerns, leaving manager Hill with a full squad of players to choose from. Hill is likely to reshuffle the pack, potentially moving Danny Lomax into midfield with George McGrogan slotting into the back-four after a decent showing off the bench in Saturday’s draw at Stockport.

Midfielder Tom Hackett could be the odd man looking in after being replaced by McGrogan on Saturday, allowing Lomax to move into the middle.
Going forward, it looks to be more of the same for Widnes, with Josh Williams partnering Jamil Campbell-Joseph up-front. Edwards will be looking to maintain his high levels of momentum and confidence heading into this game, whilst Alex Davies is likely to keep his place on the right-hand side of midfield.

History

The two clubs have met on four occasions since Widnes became members of the North West Counties Football League in 2013. Widnes picked up their lone victory over Cheadle last October, running out 5-3 winners in a thriller at Park Road. Town have gained the upper hand over Widnes having won 3 of the 4 games between the two sides. Last season, they comfortably beat the hosts 4-0 at the Select Security Stadium.

Admission

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

If you cannot make it to the game, you can follow all the action on our Twitter feed, @Widnes_FC, keeping up with all the talking points as they happen.