Match Preview

Widnes FC will be looking to turn their recent poor form around with a strong performance against tough opposition in the form of Holker Old Boys at the Select Security Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Following last month’s 6-1 thrashing of Stockport Town, Widnes have failed to pick-up a win in each of their last 5 fixtures in all competitions, including Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Hanley Town in the Reusch First Division Cup Second Round. The run includes a 2-0 loss at Cheadle Town 2 weeks ago in a game that marked the first time that a side had kept a clean sheet against Widnes this season.

The visitors, Holker Old Boys, come into the game following a recent upturn in their own form. The Stags have picked up back-to-back league victories following a run in that saw the Cumbria-based outfit win just once in 9 games in all competitions, stretching back to late August.

Holker head to the Select Security Stadium with a new man taking the reins of the Cumbrian club. The Stags appointed former Barrow AFC coach Scott Redhead as their new manager following Gary Fawcett’s departure to Kendal Town as the Evo-Stik First Division North side’s new manager of their newly formed Under-23 side.

Redhead has had to wait until Saturday's game to take his seat in the dugout as Holker manager, due to two consecutive postponements in the past week. Redhead will be looking to hit the ground running against Steve Hill’s Whites on Saturday afternoon.

Team News

Jamil Campbell-Joseph is set to be manager Hill’s only definite absentee for the visit of The Stags. Campbell-Joseph received his 5th yellow card of the season in last week’s defeat at Hanley Town and will automatically serve a one-match ban.

George McGrogan is a major doubt for the game, following his early departure at Hanley due to injury. McGrogan’s injury may lead to a reshuffling of the pack for Widnes, with Hill potentially moving Alex Davies to right-back to ensure that the side are defensively solid against Holker.

Tom Hackett remains on the injury list for Widnes. However, Hackett is near to a return from an ankle injury that has kept the midfielder out for the past two months. Saturday's game against The Stags may come too soon for Hackett to make his return.

Excluding the three aforementioned names, Hill has a fully fit squad to choose from. Danny Burthem and Tony Wynne are both available again after being unavailable for the cup-tie in Staffordshire.

History

The two clubs have met on four occasions since Widnes’ admission to the North West Counties Football League prior to the 2013-14 season. Holker have completed the double over Widnes in both of the past two seasons, winning the last meeting between the two sides 2-1 at the Select Security Stadium in January.

Manager’s Thoughts

Widnes manager Steve Hill is confident in his side’s ability to turn a good performance into a positive result on the pitch, despite The Whites’ recent poor run of form.

“The lads stick together and I think sometimes when we’re conceding sloppy goals then there’s just a little bit of inexperience on our part.

“But I can’t fault their endeavour, their effort, their work-rate or how they are as a team because they’re a good bunch of lads and I think that’s why we’re performing well.

“If we keep on doing what we’re doing it can’t keep going against us, it’s got to click sooner or later.

“Holker Old Boys are a really good side.

“We know all about them from last year and we know we’re going to be in for a game but it’s at home, so it’s up to us to take the initiative and take the game to them.”