Match Preview

Widnes FC will be looking to kick-off 2016 with the maximum three points as they host Bacup Borough at the Select Security Stadium in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Steve Hill’s side ended 2015 in a rotten run of form, having gone 10 games without a win stretching back to the 6-1 thrashing of Stockport Town in early October. In addition, Widnes lost 8 of their final 10 games of the year, picking up solitary points in games against Whitchurch Alport and Rochdale Town.

The visitors, Bacup Borough, have had an inconsistent first season back in the North West Counties Football League First Division following relegation from the Premier Division last term. Despite losing their last four games, Borough currently sit 9th in the table, having taken 21 points from their 14 games thus far this season.

Brent Peters’ side will be relieved to be guaranteed of a game this coming Saturday due to the artificial surface at the Select Security Stadium. Since the end of October, Bacup have only managed to play four games having routinely fallen victim to the unpredictable weather. Peters and his players have had nine games postponed in the final two months of 2015, with their last outing being a 3-0 defeat at league leaders Cheadle Town two weeks ago.

Last time out, Widnes were beaten 3-1 by title favourites Barnton with Luke Edwards’ 77th minute strike only serving as a consolation after poor starts to both halves left Hill’s team 3-0 down after two goals in the opening 10 minutes from Kevin Towey and Kevin Pollard, before Ryan Malone netted three minutes into the second half.

Team News

Ronnie McCarthy is set to become the latest Widnes player to surpass 50 appearances for the club providing that he sees the field against Bacup. McCarthy is set to become the fifth Widnes player to achieve the feat after Alex Davies, Tom Mitchell, Paul Carney and Danny Lomax.

McCarthy is set to skipper the side to mark the milestone as captain Tom Mitchell will serve a one-match ban after being sent off for two bookable offences in the 1-1 draw with Rochdale Town earlier in December.

Mitchell’s absence provides an opportunity for players to stake a claim to partner Daniel Wilson in the heart of Widnes’ back-four. Ben Cartwright could drop into the back-four or Argentine defender Braian Strutz-Rivelli could make his first start in over two months.

Danny Lomax should be available for Widnes despite limping off midway through the first half in the defeat against Barnton. If Lomax is unavailable, Daniel Burthem and Steven Clarke will be vying for the starting role.

After being left on the bench against Barnton, both Jamie Casson and Tony Wynne will be pushing for starts having impressed in their outings against The Villagers.

History

Widnes have never lost their first game of a New Year since entering the North West Counties Football League in 2013. Coincidentally, Irlam have been the opponent on both occasions, with Widnes running out 3-1 winners in 2014, and 3-2 winners last year.

Manager’s Thoughts

Widnes manager Steve Hill is focused on improving the defensive side of his team going into the New Year and wants his team to be able to match Bacup Borough in their first match of 2016.

He said: "Our defence is a collective unit.

"The defending starts from the two forwards and we've got to make teams work harder to score against us now.

"We've been a bit naive defensively and our form is starting to worry me to be honest.

"On Saturday (against Barnton), the lads were a bit down after the match and that was the first time I'd seen that. They weren't happy with the performance.

"We need to make the most of the fact we're at home.

"Bacup Borough isn't going to be an easy game because they're a big, strong side and we'll have to match them physically and try to impose ourselves.

"With a little bit of luck we'll be able to keep our heads up and start the year on a high."