Widnes 1-2 Irlam

Widnes FC slipped to a 2-1 home defeat to Irlam in the North West Counties Football League First Division despite a valiant second half performance that saw Steve Hill’s side throw the kitchen sink at the visitors but couldn’t muster an equaliser despite a plethora of chances in the closing stages.

The first half was a stark contrast to the second as Widnes were left chasing shadows as Irlam dominated possession which was reflected on the scoreboard as Jordan Icely and Matty Boland netted to ensure that the visitors lead 2-0 at the break.

However, following a change of tactics on the hour-mark, Widnes were revitalised and pulled a goal back when Luke Edwards converted a 66th minute penalty. Widnes were awarded a second spot-kick 10 minutes later but this time Edwards couldn’t capitalise as his penalty was saved by Irlam keeper Lee White who ensured that his side held on for all three points.

Widnes manager Steve Hill made two changes to the side that beat Daisy Hill 2-1 last time out. The duo of Jamie Casson and Corey Mason returned from injury as they replaced Jamil Campbell-Joseph and Braian Strutz-Rivelli who both dropped to the bench.

The game exploded out of the blocks as Irlam raced into a 2-minute lead. A long punt forward from goalkeeper Lee White caught Widnes napping at the back as Jordan Icely got the better of Corey Mason before dinking the ball over the head of the on-rushing Widnes keeper Ben Morrow and into the back of the net.

Irlam were inches away from a second minutes later. Liam Morrison laid the ball off to Matty Boland who fired a curling effort towards goal that whistled mere inches past the post.

Morrison was involved in Irlam’s next opportunity as robbed Tony Wynne of possession in midfield before unleashing a ferocious effort on goal from 35 yards that produced a terrific save out of Morrow who managed to get his fingertips to the effort to tip it wide of the post.

Irlam were dominating possession for large parts of the first half as they neatly moved the ball around as Widnes were forced to chase shadows. Despite their joy of possession, Widnes squandered a huge chance midway through the half.

Wynne dispatched Luke Edwards with a brilliant through ball that allowed the winger to race clear before crossing the ball into the area where the late arriving Tunde Owolabi couldn’t quite get a touch on the ball to divert it into the back of the net.

Irlam continued to pressurise the Widnes defence as the half drew to a close. Boland fired a free-kick over the bar prior to Jordan Southworth playing in earlier goalscorer Icely who could only turn the ball wide of the post.

Widnes’ resistance was eventually broken for the second time as Irlam doubled their lead five minutes before the interval. A cross from the right into the area was only half-cleared by Widnes into the path of Matty Boland, who found the bottom corner on the half-volley to give his side a deserved two-goal cushion.

Halftime: Widnes 0-2 Irlam

The earlier stages of the second half saw Irlam remain in control. The midfield duo of Liam Morrison and Dean Burgess were playing with freedom in the middle of the park which was causing Widnes significant problems as the visitors continued to spread the ball around extremely well.

They came close to a third early in the half as Christian Lawlor released Boland who made a great run to get in behind the Widnes back-four but was denied a certain goal by a great challenge from Paul Carney who made a brilliant sliding tackle to prevent the visitors from killing the game off.

Following the hour-mark, Widnes manager Steve Hill used all three of his available substitutions in a matter of minutes as his side switched to a 3-5-2 formation. Casson, Mason and Wynne were all withdrawn in favour of Jamil Campbell-Joseph, George McGrogan and Liam Davidson which allowed left-back Carney to move into midfield.

This tactical change arguably changed the game as Widnes began to limit the effectiveness of Irlam’s central midfield partnership and see a bit more of the ball.

Widnes were awarded a penalty on the 66th minute mark as Carney burst through the Irlam backline as he attempted to retrieve an Edwards pass before knocking the ball past the on-rushing White who caught Carney as he slid into the challenge leaving the referee with no option but to award the spot-kick.

Luke Edwards stepped up for the home side and confidently dispatched his penalty into the bottom corner to give Widnes an important lifeline which plenty of time remaining in the game.

Widnes continued to pile on the pressure. Goalscorer Edwards displayed some quick-thinking as he drilled a corner into the feet of substitute Davidson outside the area who fired over.

Despite their newfound dominance, Widnes still had to be wary of the Irlam counter-attack. Boland again threatened for the visitors as he once again found himself one-on-one with Morrow who this time made the save with his feet before Boland turned the rebound against the foot of the post.

With time dwindling, Widnes began to throw the kitchen sink at Irlam as they searched for an equaliser. They were given an opportunity to level the scoreline with 15 minutes to go as Hill’s side were awarded a second penalty as Jamil Campbell-Joseph went down after a trip by Southworth in the area.

Edwards again stepped up but was denied by a great save from Irlam keeper White, who got down extremely well to get a glove to the spot-kick.

Widnes, having squandered a great chance to get on level terms, threw the kitchen sink at Irlam with being on the visitors’ side. However, the pressure proved futile as Irlam found ways to protect their lead.

Widnes were mightily unfortunate not to equalise five minutes from time. Campbell-Joseph produced a sensational backheel that played in Tunde Owolabi who was denied by a stunning save by from White, who produced a sensational piece of goalkeeping to deny Widnes a surefire equaliser.

Widnes continued to push for a leveller and should have at least tested White with virtually the last kick of the game. Edwards floated a corner into the area that landed at the feet of skipper Tom Mitchell who couldn’t get his shot away which was gathered by White as the referee blew for fulltime.

Fulltime: Widnes 1-2 Irlam

Speaking after the game, Widnes manager Steve Hill was delighted with his side for their efforts and felt that they were unlucky not to get at least a point out of the game.

He said: “I’m made up with performance from the lads, more so in the second half than the first. It was a good game for a neutral and we more than matched a very good side.

“We were unlucky to come away from the game with a point at the very least a point. Their keeper was outstanding and he kept them in the game.”

Hill also stated that a bit of belief lead to their rise in performance in the second half.

He said: “At halftime, we had a word about pointing them in the right direction. The lads took it on board and had a bit more belief about themselves. They were gutted at the end obviously because of the penalty miss and it could have been a totally different story. Their performance totally warrants praise.”

Widnes are back on the road next week as they travel to Atherton Laburnum Rovers.

Widnes: Morrow, Mason (McGrogan 64), Carney, Wilson, Mitchell (C), Cartwright, Casson (Davidson 64), Lomax, Wynne (Campbell-Joseph 61), Owolabi, Edwards.

Subs not used: Strutz-Rivelli.

Irlam: White, Lomas (C), Peters, Morrison, Braithwaite (Mills 75), Kpohgomou, Southworth (Eyres 80), Burgess, Lawlor, Boland, Icely.

Subs not used: Russell, Mooney, Wolden.