Match Preview

Widnes FC will be looking to return to winning ways as they welcome Northwich Manchester Villa to the Select Security Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Following an unbeaten league run in September, beating league leaders Barnton away from home along the way, Widnes’ form in October has been mixed. A 4-3 defeat at Chadderton was followed by two outstanding victories over Ashton Town (3-0) in the Liverpool Senior Cup and a 6-1 thrashing of Stockport Town on Non-League Day. Last time out, Steve Hill’s side were 2-1 up at St Helens Town before eventually succumbing to a 3-2 defeat on Tuesday night.

The visitors, Northwich Manchester Villa, also come into the game in inconsistent form. Villa have won two of their last six games in all competitions, including a highly impressive 2-0 victory over Northern Counties East League Division One outfit Rossington Main in the FA Vase, earning NMV a home game against Whitley Bay in the next round.

Last time out, Villa were 3-0 down at home to Barnton before staging a terrific comeback to rescue a point, as goals from Gavin Salmon, Carlos Correira and Daniel Burns levelled the scoreline at 3-3.

The two sides have previously met this season at the Manchester Regional Arena. Widnes came out on top on that day, winning 3-2 as a double from Ronnie McCarthy and a further goal from Alex Davies handed Widnes their first win of the season.

Team News

Widnes come into the game with a few injury concerns. Defenders Jordan Stanley and George McGrogan both departed the defeat at St Helens through injury, whilst Jamil Campbell-Joseph also picked up a knock during the game. All three players will be assessed prior to Saturday’s game.

Danny Lomax has been struggling through illness but he should be fit enough to play. Meanwhile, midfielder Tom Hackett, who picked up an ankle injury in the reverse fixture, is definitely out.

Ronnie McCarthy’s 3-game suspension for his sending off at Chadderton begins this Saturday and he will be unavailable for selection.

Injuries in the back-four could open the door for Jamie Casson and Ben Cartwright to stake a claim for a starting spot. Both players came on at Brocstedes Park in midweek with Cartwright impressing in his second debut for the club. Calum Finch could also be in line for a return to the starting line-up, after being an unused substitute in midweek.

Fixture History

Under their previous guise, Northwich Flixton Villa, Bill Prendergast’s side have only beaten Widnes once in the five games between the two sides; a club-record 10-1 victory last December. Widnes have beaten Villa on 3 occasions including September’s 3-2 win. The club’s have shared their spoils in one outing, a 1-1 draw at the Select Security Stadium in February.

Manager’s Thoughts

Widnes manager Steve Hill believes that this game will be difficult, despite Widnes having already beaten their opponents this season.

“It will be a tough game and we’ll need to approach it in the correct manner. We have to go out there and make everything happen on the pitch. It’s only the players who can take us up the table, regardless of what we say in the dressing room. Hopefully, we can come away with all 3 points.”