Chadderton 4-3 Widnes

Widnes FC’s 3-match league unbeaten run was ended at Andrew Street on Saturday afternoon, as Chadderton ran out 4-3 winners in a 7-goal thriller that saw many twists and turns along the way.

Chadderton burst out of the blocks as they capitalised on a disjointed Widnes defence. Dillan O’Connor gave the hosts the lead inside on the 7-minute mark before James Curley extended Chaddy’s advantage 6 minutes later. The early deficit woke Widnes up and they were level midway through the opening 45 minutes, as Ronnie McCarthy and Danny Lomax both netted inside two minutes. Luke Edwards then found the net 3 minutes before the break to complete a remarkable first half turnaround for Widnes.

However, a further goal from Curley and a winner from Gareth Morris 10 minutes from time ensured that Chadderton completed a turnaround themselves to pickup all 3 points. Widnes’ misery was compounded as time began to tick away as earlier goalscorer Ronnie McCarthy was sent off for an apparent headbutt on Chaddy’s star man Curley.

Widnes manager Steve Hill made two changes to the side that lost 2-1 at Irlam in the Men United Cup last time out. Anthony Wynne and Jordan Stanley returned as they came in for Danny Burthem and Braian Strutz-Rivelli respectively.

The game started as it meant to go on as both sides threatened early. Widnes’ Luke Edwards played a neat one-two with Alex Davies before forcing a solid save out of Matthew Green. The hosts then came mightily close to taking the lead as DIllan O’Connor’s free-kick evaded everyone before striking Gareth Morris on the head and going over. Any ounce of awareness from Morris would have taken the ball into the back of the net.

Chadderton took the lead with their next attack. Dillan O’Connor went on an impressive individual run, easily racing away from Widnes defenders before slotting the ball past the on-rushing Ben Morrow.

They doubled their lead 6 minutes later. Morris won the flick on from a long ball forward that set James Curley on his way who promptly took his chance, as he dinked the ball beyond Morrow as he netted his 5th goal of the season.

It was a poor spell for Widnes that cost Hill’s side dear as it left them with a mountain to climb if they were to get anything out of the game.

Widnes pulled a goal back on the 20-minute mark. Luke Edwards burst forward down the left, getting the better of David Glynn, delivering a cross towards the back post that was diverted back across the area by Tony Wynne, allowing Ronnie McCarthy to net his 3rd goal of the season, as he tidily stroked the ball beneath Green.

Widnes were back in the game and they had their tails up. Less than 2 minutes after McCarthy’s goal, Widnes were on level terms. A quality team goal was started and finish by Danny Lomax. Lomax won the ball back in midfield, with the visitors eventually working the ball wide to Alex Davies who pulled the ball back into the path of Lomax who fired his effort into the bottom corner, finding the net for a first time in a Widnes shirt.

Widnes were firmly on top at this point, and they came close to taking the lead on the half-hour. Chadderton keeper Green only half-cleared the ball, which fell to McCarthy who ambitiously hit a shot towards goal that struck the post before being duly cleared. Tony Wynne then came close, as he was left unmarked at the back post as he sliced an Edwards corner wide of the target.

Widnes’ prolonged pressure eventually paid off as they took the lead on the stroke of half-time. Alex Davies continued to be involved in Widnes’ offensive prowess as his intial shot forced a great save out of Green with the rebound being turned home by Luke Edwards, who bagged his 4th goal of the season.

Halftime: Chadderton 2-3 Widnes

Widnes had the advantage after a thrilling first 45 minutes and were firmly in control at the break. Chadderton knew this, and opted to rectify that at half-time. They started the second period well. Dillan O’Connor hit a shot on goal that forced a stunning save out of Ben Morrow, who managed to tip the ball wide with a superb save.

From the resulting corner, Chadderton equalised. The ball came in from the left and was met by the head of James Curley, who netted his second of the afternoon with a great header.

Widnes came close to replying immediately. Edwards whipped a free-kick in from the right was flicked towards goal by the head of McCarthy who forced an instinctive save out of Green who got down well to push the ball away to safety.

The second half wasn’t as breathtaking as the opening 45 minutes of play. However, as time began to wind down, both sides increased the energy in their play as they pushed for a winner. Ronnie McCarthy again threatened as he saw a volley cleared off the line, before Chadderton caught Widnes out as a long ball was pumped up the field that allowed Dillan O’Connor to race clear, lobbing his effort over Morrow and wide of the target.

Chadderton took the lead 10 minutes from time. James Curley was again involved as it was his delivery that was diverted into the back of the net by Gareth Morris, whose diving header proved to be the difference as he found the back of the net from inside the 6-yard area.

Widnes were staring defeat in the face, and manager Hill attempted to reshuffle the shape of his side to rescue a point. Alex Davies was pushed up front alongside Tony Wynne, allowing McCarthy to slot into a deeper role with substitute Danny Burthem moving out wide. It nearly had the desired effect as Paul Carney drilled a shot towards goal that wasn’t too far away, as the effort was the smallest of distances away from grazing the crossbar.

Widnes’ pursuit of a result was made more difficult as they were reduced to 10-men shortly before the end of 90 minutes. Ronnie McCarthy clashed with James Curley in midfield, winning a free-kick. The two had words before McCarthy appeared to lean in with his head forcing a reaction out of both sides. Referee Jason Jarrett dealt with the situation, sending McCarthy off and booking Curley for his part in the incident.

The setback didn’t waiver Widnes’ attempts to rescue a point. Inside stoppage time, Luke Edwards floated a corner into the area that was met by the head of substitute George McGrogan, who forced a solid save out of Green.

Despite Widnes’ late pressure, Chadderton managed to hold off the 10-men of the visitors and pickup all 3 points.

Fulltime: Chadderton 4-3 Widnes

Widnes’ first loss in 3 league games means that Steve Hill’s side remain 14th in the North Wesst Counties Football League First Division.

Next up for Widnes is a Liverpool Senior Cup tie at home to Ashton Town as Monday Night Football returns to the Select Security Stadium this coming Monday (5th October). Kick-off 7.45pm.

Chadderton: Green (GK), Glynn, Pawley, Greenidge, Melvin, Turner, Ojapah (Fletcher 81), Sherwood (C), Morris, Curley, O'Connor.

Subs not used: Knowles, Wood, Lyons, Harewood.

Widnes: Morrow (GK), Chojnicki (McGrogan 73), Carney, Stanley, Mitchell (C), Zarrelli (Burthem 73), Davies, Lomax, Wynne, McCarthy, Edwards.

Subs not used: Casson, Strutz-Rivelli, Hartley (GK).