REPORT: Atherton LR 2-4 Widnes

Interim boss Danny Salt got off to a flying start as he guided Widnes FC to a 4-2 victory over Atherton LR at Crilly Park.

Following the departure of Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard just 24 hours previously, Salt rallied the troops and couldn’t have wished for a better start as Widnes picked up their first league win in two games.

Tom Mitchell netted a 24-minute opener with a thumping header before Ryan Malone netted his first Widnes goal to ensure that the visitors held a lead at the break.

Imande Favour pulled a goal back five minutes into the second half before Neil Harvey restored Widnes’ two-goal cushion with a smart finish. Favour found the net for a second time to set up a tense climax to the game. However, Kev Towey secured the points for the visitors with his seventh goal of the season two minutes from time.

Salt made four changes to the side that started in the 1-1 draw at St Helens Town on Thursday night. Josh Kavanagh and George Webster were nursing injuries and were subsequently replaced by Danny Laverty and Ryan Malone. Meanwhile, Darrhyl Mason and Mike Burke were unavailable for selection as Neil Harvey and Tom Mitchell came into the side.

LR looked for a speedy start as Widnes ‘keeper Kris Leigh was called into action early. Alex Guest tried his luck with a long-range effort but Leigh was on-hand to make a smart stop.

Widnes eventually settled into the game and created a couple of half-chances. Neil Harvey headed a Jack Graham cross over from close-range before Graham went a long run forward before forcing a comfortable save of Atherton goalkeeper Rob Sadler with an effort that was rather tame in the end.

Those in attendance sensed a Widnes opener was coming after the visitors continued to create decent chances. Kev Pollard headed a corner wide before Ryan Malone saw a close-range shot take a wicked deflection before flying inches past the post.

Widnes eventually found an opener shortly beyond the midway point of the half. Danny Laverty’s corner was met by defender Tom Mitchell, who found the net with a thunderous header to score his first Widnes goal since March earlier this year.

Widnes doubled their lead 13 minutes later. Kev Towey, who started the game in a free-role behind Neil Harvey, released Ryan Malone with a well-weighted pass. Malone could only hit the post with his initial effort, before being the quickest to react to tuck away the rebound for his first goal in a Widnes shirt.

It was almost 3-0 two minutes later. Striker Harvey robbed Ryan Rathburne of possession before advancing forward and firing a shot across the face of goal and wide.

Halftime: Atherton LR 0-2 Widnes

Whatever was said at the interval by LR manager seemed to lift the hosts, and they pulled a goal back five minutes into the second half. Forward Imande Favour, who caused Widnes problems with his strength and power, bundled Kev Pollard off the ball before slotting the ball into the far corner, beyond keeper Leigh.

Widnes didn’t let the goal affect them and continued to go about their business offensively. Laverty cut inside but could only force a decent save out of LR ‘keeper Sadler.

Five minutes later, Widnes regained their two-goal cushion. Laverty was involved again as his corner was headed on by Pollard and brought down by Neil Harvey, who found the net with a smart finish on the turn to net his third goal in four games since joining the Club from Runcorn Town last month.

Widnes wanted more and came close again through Jason McShane. Laverty’s cross came out to McShane who controlled the ball with his chest before hitting a looping volley over the bar.

The visitors spurned a glorious opportunity for a fourth goal as substitute Luke Edwards raced clear one-on-one with Sadler but Edwards fluffed his lines and mis-hit his effort, slicing wide of the post.

LR made Widnes pay for their inefficiencies in front of goal as they pulled another goal back. Imande Favour netted his second goal of the afternoon, volleying home from close-range after Widnes failed to deal with a corner.

That goal set up a nervy end to the game, but Widnes looked assured and wrapped up the victory two minutes from time. Substitute Dale Korie-Butler made an immediate impact following his introduction, cutting inside and providing the ball on a plate for Kev Towey, who cleverly turned his man and fired into the roof of the net.

Fulltime: Atherton LR 2-4 Widnes

Despite a difficult 24 hours for Widnes heading into the game, the visitors picked up an impressive victory that could have been more had the visitors been more clinical in front of goal.

Salt will continue as interim boss on Wednesday night as Widnes travel to high-flying Litherland REMYCA.