Barnton 0-1 Widnes

A terrific performance from Widnes FC ensured that The Whites battled to a well deserved 1-0 win over league leaders Barnton at Townfield on Wednesday night.

A wonder goal from in-form Alex Davies secured all 3 points for the visitors, who were good value for their victory in a physical and somewhat heated game. The win is Widnes’ second consecutive victory on the road and second of the season after beating Northwich Manchester Villa 3-2 on Saturday afternoon.

Manager Steve Hill made 3 changes to the side that beat NMV last time out. Michael Chojnicki, who made his debut in the win at NMV, made his first start for the club as he came in for Danny Burthem who dropped to the bench. Luke Edwards returned to the side after a one-game absence as he replaced Tom Hackett who picked up an injury away at Manchester Regional Arena. Anthony Wynne made his debut for Widnes, at his former club, as he started up-front in place of the unavailable Ronnie McCarthy.

Widnes started well and looked to establish control over possession whilst taking the game to the league leaders. The visitors should have taken the lead on the 16-minute mark. Jamil Campbell-Joseph did well down the right as his quick-feet enabled him to get the better of Anthony Johnstone and pick out the unmarked Tony Wynne in the 6-yard area who headed his effort wide. It was a glorious chance for the debutant that he should have converted.

Barnton never really got out of first gear in the opening 30 minutes, as Widnes neutralised the hosts’ offensive prowess and the physicality that Leon Knight’s side bring to the table.

The Villagers had to wait until the 35th minute before having their first real chance as Widnes lost the ball cheaply going forward allowing Jason McShane to break forward and square the ball into the path of Kev Towey, who engineered space for a shot on goal that he blazed over.

Inside first half stoppage time, Widnes threatened again. A long-throw from Michael Chojnicki was knocked down by Campbell-Joseph into the path of Danny Lomax who skewed his half-volley over the bar.

Halftime: Barnton 0-0 Widnes

The opening 45 minutes were extremely positive for Widnes, who were frustrating Barnton at the back whilst creating chances going forward. The visitors were dealing well with The Villagers’ physicality as the game became somewhat heated.

The hosts picked up the pace in the second half and added a bit of purpose to their game going forward. Barnton cleverly worked the ball into the box as Danny Laverty thread the ball through into the path of Chris Lomax who dragged his volley wide of the mark. Lomax should have tested Widnes keeper Ben Morrow at the very least.

Barnton started to gain the upper hand as the game approached the hour-mark. Lomax again threatened as he engineered space for a shot that forced a solid save out of Morrow. Miscommunication between Alex Davies and Alessandro Zarrelli then allowed Laverty to burst forward and fire his effort over the bar.

Despite Barnton beginning to dominate, Widnes continued to threaten and look dangerous on the counter-attack. Luke Edwards’ went on a marauding run for the visitors before playing the ball into the path of Alex Davies who narrowly missed the target with his effort, as he volleyed the ball across the face of goal and wide.

The league leaders never really looked like they would add an end-product to their dominance of possession in the second half. Widnes punished them 17 minutes from time.

Former Barnton man Tony Wynne won a free-kick in a dangerous area after he was caught from behind by Michael Burke. The angle favoured the left-foot of Luke Edwards, who looked like he was going to take the free-kick. However, the in-form Alex Davies stepped up and beautifully curled his set-piece into the top corner leaving the outstretched Adam Judge with no chance. Davies’ brilliantly executed free-kick was his 6th goal in his last 6 games, giving Widnes a deserved lead.

A late, reckless challenge from Widnes’ Jamil Campbell-Joseph saw the forward earn a yellow card in an incident that sparked a heated exchange between the two sides that the referee dealt with well. Barnton were rattled, trying desperately to swing the game back in their favour.

The hosts rallied, but they could find no way past a defiant and dominant Widnes backline, spearheaded by skipper Tom Mitchell who was absolutely superb on the night.

Barnton continued to pile the pressure on as they through everything but the kitchen sink at Widnes. Chris Lomax played a short free-kick into the feet of Jason McShane who drilled a shot towards goal that forced an excellent save out of Ben Morrow.

Barnton saw their best chance of the game go begging five minutes from time. Lomax somehow managed to break through the Widnes backline as he picked out Kev Towey whose lobbed effort towards goal was fantastically headed clear off the line by Braian Strutz-Rivelli.

Widnes continued to keep it tight at the back, denying Barnton any chances at rescuing a point. The visitors eventually saw the game out and picked up a mightily impressive 3 points.

Fulltime: Barnton 0-1 Widnes

It was a terrific team performance from Widnes, who fully deserved to win the game. A piece of brilliance from Alex Davies separated the two sides, as the visitors picked up their second consecutive league victory.

Widnes stunned the league leaders, who were somewhat guilty of underestimating the visitors, having comfortably beaten a very different Widnes side on the final day of last season.

Having failed to win in their opening 7 league games, Widnes have now won two consecutive games, essentially kick-starting their season. Steve Hill’s side are now full of confidence and primed to make significant progress up the league table.

Due to this weekend’s postponement at home to Rochdale Town, Widnes are not back in action until Saturday 26th September, as Hill’s men travel to Irlam in the First Round of the Men United Cup.

Barnton: Judge, Johnstone (Robinson 55), Fielding, Pollard (C), Meadowcroft, Burke, Towey, McShane, Tuck (Kinsella 69), Laverty (Quirk 77), Lomax.

Subs not used: Morgan, Malone.

Widnes: Morrow, Chojnicki, Carney, Strutz-Rivelli, Mitchell (C), Zarrelli (Burthem 81), Davies, Lomax, Wynne, Campbell-Joseph (McGrogan 83), Edwards.

Subs not used: Williams, Casson, Hartley.