Match Preview

Widnes FC take on Irlam on Saturday afternoon at the Select Security Stadium looking to pickup back-to-back victories for only the second time this season.

The Whites will be buoyed heading into the game following last week’s 2-1 victory over Daisy Hill which was Widnes’ first league victory in four games. Goals from debutant Tunde Owolabi and Tony Wynne ensured that Widnes had a 2-goal cushion at the break before Curtis Cummins netted a lifeline for the Daisies five minutes from time who began to push for a winner. However, Steve Hill’s side held on for a much-needed three points.

Opponents Irlam come into the game on a high after a 3-1 victory over Ashton Town in midweek which was a result that ensured that Steve Nixon’s side ended a run of two straight defeats; a 4-1 defeat at home to Bacup Borough and a 3-2 defeat away at Litherland REMYCA last weekend in a thrilling Reusch First Division Cup quarter-final.

Nixon and his side will be pleased to have had a run of games after three consecutive games were postponed earlier this month. In addition to those aforementioned postponements, the weather also played havoc in January, resulting in three further games being called off.

The lack of football has overseen Irlam’s fall out of the North West Counties Football League First Division’s elusive playoff spots where they’ve been a mainstay for the majority of the season. However, Irlam have played a significantly less amount of games than Cheadle, Stockport and Litherland, who all sit in the top six. Irlam head into the game on Saturday four points behind 6th placed REMYCA and know picking up picking up as many points as possible between now and the end of the season is crucial.

Nixon’s also hold a psychological advantage over their hosts on Saturday as Irlam have already beaten Widnes twice this season at Silver Street in league and cup action.

Team News

Corey Mason is a major doubt for Widnes after picking up a groin injury in the defeat to Holker Old Boys on 13th February while Tom Hackett serves a one-match ban for his sending off in the same game.

Ronnie McCarthy serves the final game off his four-match ban for a second sending off for violent conduct of the season against Hanley in early January and will be available for Widnes’ trip to Atherton LR in a week’s time.

Alex Davies will again be unavailable as he continues to play for Marine on a dual registration deal, whilst defender George McGrogan could be in line for a recall after missing out on the squad that faced Daisy Hill.

Matty Boland is the main threat for Irlam offensively, as he six goals in nine appearances for the club since moving from Premier Division side Atherton Collieries.

Head to Head

Overall

Widnes: 1 win
Irlam: 3 wins
1 Draw

At Widnes

Widnes: 2 wins
Irlam: 0 wins
0 Draws

Last Meeting

Irlam 2 (Lawlor, Braithwaite)
Widnes 1 (Davies)
NWCFL Division One
September 26 2015