Widnes 0-2 Chadderton

Widnes FC’s poor run of form in the North West Counties Football League Division One continued on Saturday as Chadderton left the Select Security Stadium with a comfortable 2-0 victory.

The first half was a rather lacklustre affair but the visitors went in at halftime buoyant after Jason Done added to Dillan O’Connor’s 15th minute opener on the stroke of the interval from the penalty-spot, after Widnes skipper Tom Mitchell bundled over Matthew Booth inside the 18-yard area.

Widnes endeavoured to get back into the game in the second half, but ultimately Chadderton looked comfortable and held on for their first away victory of the season.

Following back-to-back postponements, Widnes made three changes to the side that lost to Hanley Town 3-1 four weeks ago. Alex Davies and Ronnie McCarthy were both suspended after being sent off against Hanley and were replaced in the side by debutant Corey Mason and Steven Clarke. Paul Carney made his first appearance of 2016, as he came in for the injured Jamie Casson. Ryan Wilde was named amongst the substitutes for Widnes, leaving him in line for a debut after signing for the club in late December.

The Whites made a positive start as Steven Clarke almost immediately outmuscled Chadderton fullback Jack Shaw before drilling a pass into the 6-yard area that Luke Edwards couldn’t quite divert into the back of the net.

However, the visitors eventually grew into the game and took the lead as the game surpassed the 15-minute mark. Jason Done’s cross from the left was headed away by Danny Wilson into the path of Dillan O’Connor who tidily volleyed his side into the lead.

Chadderton were on top from then onwards, with Widnes struggling to create chances and get on level terms. Luke Edwards had Widnes’ first shot on target 10 minutes before halftime, as he went on a good individual run before producing a tame effort that was comfortably gathered by Chaddy keeper Green.

Widnes began to enjoy a decent offensive spell. Tony Wynne turned away from his man in midfield before advancing forward and forcing a good save out of Green.

Chadderton were awarded a penalty on the stroke of halftime. Matthew Booth got in behind the Widnes defence and was bundled over by captain Tom Mitchell who received a yellow card for his challenge. Jason Done stepped up for the visitors and confidently stroked the spot-kick into the back of the net.

Halftime: Widnes 0-2 Chadderton

In an attempt to turn things around, Widnes manager Steve Hill withdrew Steven Clarke at the interval and brought on Braian Strutz-Rivelli as Widnes switched to a 3-5-2 formation.

The tactical change almost paid dividends as Edwards’ corner was delightfully flicked on by Tom Hackett with Danny Lomax left stretching for the ball at the back post, unable to divert the ball home.

Chadderton were inches away from extending their lead on the 50-minute mark as MacAuley Harewood’s long-range effort took a massive deflection off of Paul Carney and nearly dipped in underneath the crossbar.

The second half was on the whole rather flat, as chances came at a premium as Widnes appeared to show signs of a lack of match practice. They began to show signs of life as the game reached its closing stages as Lomax connected with Wynne who forced a solid save out of Green. Wynne again came close a minute later as this time he linked up with Hackett before again forcing a save out of Green.

Chadderton then launched an attack themselves. Earlier goalscorer Jason Done stung the gloves of Ben Morrow from range who produced an impressive save to tip the shot over the bar. This proved to be the last of the action as the visitors held on for their first away league victory of the season.

Fulltime: Widnes 0-2 Chadderton

The loss ensures that Widnes drop to 15th in the table as Chadderton’s 3 points took them above Steve Hill’s side into 12th. The loss also means that Widnes have now lost 9 of their previous 11 league games.

Weather dependent, Widnes are back on the road next time out as they make the long trip up to Cumbria to face Holker Old Boys.

Widnes: Morrow, Mason, Carney, Wilson (Burthem 68), Mitchell (C), Cartwright, Clarke (Strutz-Rivelli 46), Lomax, Wynne, Hackett, Edwards (Wilde 68).

Subs not used: None.

Chadderton: Green, Harewood, Shaw, Greenidge, Melvin, O’Connor (Charlton 85), Turner, Sherwood, Murray (Wood 81), Booth (Iluobe 65), Done.

Subs not used: Cook, McNeill.