Ashton Town 1-2 Widnes

Widnes FC continued their recent good run of form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ashton Town at Edge Green Street, as Steve Hill’s side picked up their fourth win in their last six games.

Despite falling behind early through a Sean Robinson strike, Widnes responded positively and equalised on the stroke of half-time through an outstanding header from striker Tunde Owolabi. Owolabi eventually added his second for Widnes, continuing his blistering run of form as he scored the winner 15 minutes from time, netting his sixth goal in his last six appearances, securing all three points for his side.

Manager Hill made three changes to his side that won 3-2 at Atherton LR in midweek. Luke Edwards, who failed a late fitness test at Crilly Park on Tuesday night prior to Widnes’ victory, came in for Jordan Wright who dropped to the bench, whilst Liam Davidson and Braian Strutz-Rivelli replaced the unavailable duo of Jamil Campbell-Joseph and Ronnie McCarthy.

Both sides started well and benefited from a pristine playing surface at Edge Green Street which is testament to the efforts of the volunteers at Ashton Town.

Town hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds 12 minutes into the game. A shot from inside the area was deflected on to his own post by Paul Carney before Philip Williams headed the ball against the crossbar as the ball was pumped back into the area once cleared by Widnes.

Ashton took the lead two minutes later. A Widnes attack broke down deep into the hosts’ half with the ball being launched forward towards skipper Sean Robinson, who held off the challenge of opposite number Tom Mitchell before drilling a shot beyond the on-rushing Morrow to give John Brownrigg’s side the lead.

Having met on two occasions earlier in the season at the Select Security Stadium with both sides sharing a win apiece, both managers would have been looking to pickup all three points as an added incentive in future meetings between the two clubs.

Widnes should have replied immediately as they spurned a great opportunity to equalise two minutes later. Danny Wilson dribbled his way out of defence before dispatching Owolabi with a brilliant ball over the top who did all the hard work as he engineered space for a shot but he fluffed his lines when it mattered, dragging his effort wide of the post.

Both sides defended well throughout the remainder of the first half, limiting each other to half-chances. Tom Hackett drilled a free-kick over the bar from a tight angle after Carney was fouled on the edge of the area, before Scott Baker fired high and wide from inside the area for the hosts.

Widnes equalised on the stroke of half-time. The visitors were awarded a free-kick 35 yards from goal which Hackett floated into the area, being met by Tunde Owolabi who headed the ball into the top corner with an outstanding header to level the scoreline for Hill’s side heading into the break.

Halftime: Ashton Town 1-1 Widnes

Ashton Town were inches away from retaking the lead 10 minutes into the second period. Philip Williams rued his extreme misfortune as he curled a shot against the far-post with the ball rolling back along the goal line and away from goal allowing Widnes to clear their lines.

Both sides had their chances in the second half. David Mills drilled a free-kick wide for Ashton before Hackett and Carney linked up offensively for Widnes, picking out substitute James Ryan whose effort on goal in the end was tame and easily gathered by keeper Joe Clements.

15 minutes from time, Widnes took a deserved lead. Tunde Owolabi continued to be a handful for Widnes as he was picked out by a brilliant ball over the top from Tom Hackett, allowing Owolabi to drive his shot into the bottom corner, giving Widnes the lead whilst continuing his own individual, blistering run of form as the former New Mills striker netted his sixth goal in as many games.

As the game reached its closing stages, Ashton threw everything but the kitchen sink at Widnes as they searched for an equaliser. Skipper Robinson was agonisingly close to his and his side’s second as he glanced a header across the face of goal and wide. Had Robinson made full contact with his header, it would have taken an outstanding save from Ben Morrow to preserve Widnes’ lead with seven minutes remaining of normal time.

Widnes defended well for the remainder of the contest, holding on for the fourth win in six games as Hill’s side continue their good run of form as their campaign reaches its climax.

Fulltime: Ashton Town 1-2 Widnes

Widnes’ win ensured that Steve Hill’s side have now surpassed 100 league points since lodging a successful application to join the North West Counties Football League in 2013. Widnes have now amassed 102 points.

With two games remaining, Widnes remain 14th in the North West Counties Football League First Division table, a point behind 13th placed Northwich Manchester Villa who have a game in hand on the in-form Whites.

Widnes now travel to Rochdale Town next Saturday in their final away game of the season before hosting Eccleshall on April 30 in their final game of the season.

Ashton Town: Clements, Robinson, Mills, Dailey (Perkins 51), Brownrigg, Hushon, Williams, Baker, Robinson, Weaver (McNally 69), Cusani (Milne 74).

Subs not used: Hont.

Widnes: Morrow, McGrogan, Carney, Wilson, Mitchell (C), Strutz-Rivelli, Hackett, Davidson (Ryan 28), Owolabi, Toner, Edwards.

Subs not used: Wright