Match Preview

Widnes FC will be looking to pickup only their 3rd home league win of the season on Saturday as they welcome 13th placed Daisy Hill to the Select Security Stadium.

Widnes come into the game in a torrid run of form that has saw Steve Hill’s side win just 2 of their last 13 games in all competitions, a run that stretches back to early October’s 6-1 victory over Stockport Town. Last time out, Widnes were comfortably beaten 3-1 away at Holker Old Boys.

Daisy Hill come into the game in relatively good form, having won three of their last five games. However, it counts for nothing as the visitors have fallen victim to the increasingly unpredictable British winter weather as the Daisies have played just twice since late November’s reverse fixture in which the hosts on that day beat Hill’s side 4-2 at New Sirs.

Over that near three month period, Daisy Hill have had nine scheduled fixtures postponed due to the weather. Last time out, Daisy Hill traveled to Holker Old Boys in midweek, falling to the title-chasing Stags 4-1.

Team News

Widnes are still without influential midfielder Ronnie McCarthy who serves the third game of his 4-match ban for his second sending off for violent conduct in last month’s defeat at home against Hanley Town. Despite his dismissal in last week’s defeat to Holker, fellow midfielder Tom Hackett is available against Daisy Hill, as his suspension doesn’t take effect until next week’s game against Irlam.

Widnes are likely to be without Alex Davies who is set to be named in Marine’s squad to face Matlock Town in the Evo-Stik Northern League Premier Division. Jamie Casson also remains on the list of absentees as he continues his recovery from fractured ribs. Corey Mason is a major doubt as he suffered a groin injury in the defeat at Holker.

After being unavailable for the trip up to Cumbria last weekend, defenders Danny Wilson and Braian Strutz-Rivelli, midfielder Ryan Wilde and striker Tony Wynne should all be available for selection whilst Tunde Owolabi could make his long-awaited debut for the club.

History

Widnes have had the upper hand in the head-to-head record against Daisy Hill, having picked up three victories in the five meetings between the two sides in the North West Counties Football League. Daisy Hill’s victory earlier this season is their lone victory against Widnes, whilst the two sides played out a draw at New Sirs in the 2013-14 season.

Manager’s Thoughts

Widnes manager Steve Hill wants to see his side kick-on for the remainder of the season, starting with their match at the weekend, in which he thinks they are capable of getting a strong result from.

He said: "I think we're just lacking confidence at the moment, but we've got to carry on and play our way through this.

"I just don't want us to die down; I want us to keep playing to the best of our abilities for the rest of the season.

"The Daisy Hill game is important - because we're at home we'll obviously be looking for the three points against anyone we're up against.

"We've proven against the top side that we are capable of getting a result. Daisy Hill beat us at their place, but it was a close game and the lads are looking forward to this one."