Match Preview

Following a comfortable 4-1 victory over Atherton LR last time out, Widnes FC will be looking to build on their recent improvement in results as they entertain Litherland REMYCA at the Select Security Stadium on Saturday afternoon at the earlier time of 2pm.

Widnes have won two out of their last three games rather comfortably, with a 5-0 victory away at Eccleshall three weeks ago before last Saturday’s 4-1 victory. However, the two wins have been split by a disastrous 6-0 defeat at Bacup Borough; therefore, it is anyone’s guess as to what Widnes side turn up on Saturday afternoon.

Manager Steve Hill will be hoping that the ‘good’ Widnes side turn up rather than the ‘bad’ or the ‘ugly’. Saturday’s victory over Laburnum Rovers ended in rather comfortable fashion despite Danny Kerr putting the visitors ahead shortly before the 20-minute mark. Luke Edwards equalised 10 minutes later, levelling things up as the game headed into halftime.

LR striker Nial Callaghan was sent off shortly after the break and Widnes were really troubled from that point onwards as Tunde Owolabi gave the hosts the lead before a brace from Ronnie McCarthy, including a 90th minute penalty, wrapped up all three points for the hosts.

After beating Widnes 1-0 last month, Litherland REMYCA have undergone somewhat of a downturn in form. Heading into March’s encounter, REMYCA had won five of their previous six games. However, since Colin Quirk ensured that REMYCA came out on top that night, Phil Stafford’s side have lost 3 out of their previous 4, including a shock 5-0 home defeat against Eccleshall last Saturday.

With five games left to play, REMYCA sit 7th in the First Division table, level on points with 6th placed Holker Old Boys who occupy the final playoff place. However, REMYCA have played four games more than Holker and the chasing Bacup Borough in 9th place, whilst 8th placed St Helens Town are three points behind REMYCA with two games in hand. Therefore, REMYCA will be aiming to pickup close to the maximum points on offer between now and the end of the season to occupy a playoff place come May 1st.

As for Widnes, Hill and his side will be hoping to move away from the bottom three and finish as high up the table as possible.

Team News

Midfielder Danny Lomax is unavailable for Widnes for the next four games, meaning that Tom Hackett could be in line for a return to the starting lineup for the visit of REMYCA after dropping to the bench in the win over Atherton LR.

Danny Wilson could return to Hill’s squad after missing out at home to LR alongside Antoine Reciac who was also missing last Saturday.

Meanwhile, striker John Murphy, who was signed from Gateacre Village prior to the NWCFL Transfer Deadline, is available for selection and could make his debut this Saturday.

Manager’s Thoughts

Manager Hill says his side know it will be a "tough" game against REMYCA on Saturday after playing them a few weeks ago but insists everyone is looking forward to the clash.

Widnes currently sit 15th in the North West Counties Football League First Division but the manager admitted the club had bigger aspirations for this season and they have been disappointed with how the campaign has turned out.

Hill said: "We talked with the lads and we all admitted we were disappointed to be where we are in the league but we only have ourselves to be blame.

"We're a young side and we should've been competing for the play-offs at least so that's been disappointing that we haven't.

"I had to stress that we needed to finish this season strongly because we need to look towards going into next season and to move out of this division."