Match Preview

Widnes FC will look to spread some festive cheer on Saturday afternoon as they entertain second-placed Barnton to the Select Security Stadium in The Whites’ final game of 2015.

Widnes come into the game off the back of a 1-1 home draw with Rochdale Town, with Jamie Casson’s first-half equaliser being enough to end a rotten run of five consecutive defeats in all competitions. However, Steve Hill’s side couldn’t quite find enough of an edge that would have provided them with their first victory in nine games in all competitions, stretching back to October’s 6-1 thrashing of Stockport Town.

Big-spending Barnton will be looking to make up lost ground on league leaders Cheadle Town as they make the short journey to the Select Security Stadium. In what has been a mightily impressive 2015 for The Villagers, Barnton’s form in recent weeks has dipped as Leon Knight’s side have lost back-to-back league games at the hands of Litherland Remyca and Cheadle Town at Townfield, as both sides edged Knight’s side 2-1.

Prior to those two defeats, Barnton had gone unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, stretching back to an FA Vase defeat at Runcorn Town in early October.

Two of the newer sides to the North West Counties Football League have already met in the league this season. An 73rd minute stunner from Alex Davies separated the two sides in mid-September, as Widnes pulled off an upset over the league’s early pacesetters, winning 1-0 at Townfield.

Team News

Widnes manager Steve Hill is likely to field a similar eleven that picked up a point against Rochdale Town. Skipper Tom Mitchell is available despite being sent-off in stoppage time against Rochdale. Mitchell will serve his suspension as Widnes take on Bacup Borough in their first game of 2016.

His partner in the centre of Widnes’ defence on that day was Daniel Wilson, who performed admirably in his debut for the club. Wilson is likely to keep his place in the starting line-up, provided that Ben Cartwright keeps his place in midfield alongside Danny Lomax.

Hill’s biggest selection headache is likely to come further up the field. Tom Hackett returned from a 3-month injury layoff to start up-front for Widnes against Rochdale, picked ahead of the unavailable former Barnton man Tony Wynne and Jamil Campbell-Joseph who was left out. Wynne is pushing for a start should Hill decide to choose a two-man attack.

As for Barnton, manager Knight could hand debuts to former Runcorn Linnets duo Ricky Anane and Richie Mottram, who have both arrived at the club this past week.

History

Since the visitors were granted entry to the NWCFL in 2014, Barnton and Widnes have met on five occasions. In addition to September’s victory, Widnes beat Barnton in September 2014, as James Ludgate netted a late winner in the First Round of the Men United Cup.

However, Barnton edge Widnes in the head-to-head record, having beaten their near-neighbours three times last season, including completing the double in the league over Steve Hill’s side.

Manager's Thoughts

After his side stopped the rot last week against Rochdale Town, manager Hill is looking for his team to push on and make their home advantage count over the next few games.

He said: "Obviously we've stopped the rot, the lads were all made up with that and we hopefully need to push on and move forward.

"A league double over Barnton would be nice. It's not going to be easy, they're doing really well, but we seem to be their bogey team and we always do well against them.

"Every team in the division can beat anyone and you have to always be on your game. If you take anyone lightly then that's when you will slip up. The fact that we're playing at home is important (going into the Christmas period).

"We've got another two games at home and I think we need to try and get maximum points from them if we can."