Three magnificent first-half strikes from Widnes duo Jason McShane and Jon Dawson ensured that Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard’s side kicked-off the season with a 3-1 victory over Hallmark Security League First Division newcomers Prestwich Heys.

McShane netted twice either side of Dawson’s long-range volley to record Widnes’ first win of the season on the opening day. However, the victory wasn’t pretty and the visitors fell behind after just eight minutes as Erike Sousa netted Prestwich’s only goal in their first North West Counties Football League fixture for 30 years.

Widnes’ management duo of Meadowcroft and Pritchard had a virtually full-strength squad at their disposal for their inaugural competitive outing in charge, with Jack Graham ruled out through suspension, whilst Dale Korie-Butler and Paul Carney missed out through injury. Defender Meadowcroft also opted to start himself in the heart of the Widnes defence alongside Mike Burke, ahead of Tom Mitchell.

10 of Widnes’ starting XI were handed competitive debuts, with winger Luke Edwards the only remaining player from last season’s squad to earn a start.

Following an even start to proceedings, Prestwich had a dream start to the first game back in the North West Counties as they took the lead on the 8-minute mark.

Widnes failed to properly clear a cross from the left, allowing Erike Sousa to capitalise as the Prestwich man managed to find the bottom corner with a volley on the turn, beyond the outstretched glove of Widnes keeper Richie Mottram.

Widnes’ reply was immediate, as it was less than 90 seconds before the visitors found an equaliser. Luke Edwards cut inside from the right and linked up with Kev Towey. Towey then turned and laid the ball of to Jason McShane, who swung his right boot to arrow the ball into the bottom corner, past the dive of Sadler from the edge of the D.

Heys almost hit back immediately themselves. Mottram’s pass forward was given away by Dawson allowing Sousa to surge forward for the hosts. The goalscorer rolled a pass into the feet of Paul Tierney, who could only erratically blast his effort well over the bar.

Shortly before the mid-point of the first half, Widnes took the lead as Jon Dawson netted his first goal for the club in spectacular fashion. The summer recruit from Witton Albion volleyed a dipping effort into the back of the net at the near-post from 30 yards out!

Following Dawson’s wonder goal, Widnes began to control the game. However, Prestwich were determined and resolute as they took the game to the visitors. Miscommunication between Fielding and Mottram lead to a chance as Fielding’s poor clearance allowed Tierney to attempt to lob the Widnes keeper, but the ball floated over the crossbar.

With the halftime break approaching, Darrhyl Mason held the ball up extremely well for Widnes before setting Edwards on his way. The Widnes winger did all the hard work as he engineered space for a shot that he sliced high and wide of the upright.

Inside first-half stoppage time, Widnes netted a third. From a short corner, the two earlier goalscorers linked up for a third as Dawson rolled the ball into the feet of McShane, who hammered home from just outside the area, finding the top corner with a blistering effort.

Halftime: Prestwich Heys 1-3 Widnes

Despite their comfortable lead, Widnes weren’t at their best in the first half and came out for the second looking resurgent. McShane went looking for his hat-trick but could only fire over, whilst Dawson dragged an effort wide less than a minute later.

Towey was again involved as the Widnes forward worked hard to open up space for a teasing delivery into the area towards strike-partner Mason, who couldn’t quite muster a strong touch on the ball to divert it in, as Sadler gathered the loose ball.

The second half was fairly quiet, as Widnes saw the game out a strong defensive performance. However, Heys were pushing hard to get back into the game and were mightily unfortunate not to pull a goal back with 20 minutes to go as Widnes survived a scare.

The ball came out to Shaun Johnson for drove a shot at goal for the hosts that cannoned against the base of the post before the ball rolled agonizingly along the goal line and wide of the near-post.

Luke J Edwards, Matt Rigby and James McShane were brought onto the pitch off the bench as Widnes went direct in order to secure the points.

Rigby had a half-chance as time ticked away, but the ball ran away from the substitute as he burst into area, allowing Heys to clear.

Fulltime: Prestwich Heys 1-3 Widnes

Having opened the campaign with a terrific three points on the road, Widnes turn their attention to back-to-back home games. Sandbach United visit the Select Security Stadium on Monday Night (8th Aug) before Chadderton provide the opposition this coming Saturday (13th Aug).

Prestwich Heys: Sadler, Photiou, Powell, Johnson, Buckley, Foster (Reece 83), Sousa, Slaven, Tse (Itela 69), Tierney, Wills (Hilton 60).

Subs not used: Greenwood, Fitton.

Widnes: Mottram, Riley, Fielding, Pollard (C), Meadowcroft, Burke, Towey, Jason McShane, Mason (L.J. Edwards 67), Dawson (Rigby 78), Edwards (James McShane 67).

Subs not used: White, Mitchell.