Widnes FC continued to close the gap on the play-off positions in the Hallmark Security League First Division with a comfortable 4-1 win at Silsden on Saturday.

The visitors made a quickfire start with Chris Lomax netting a fine finish inside the opening minute with Kev Towey adding a second for Widnes 10 minutes before the break.

Joey Dunn’s side could have been further ahead at the break, but spurned some good opportunities - and were made to pay when Silsden pulled a goal back through Kyle Hancock’s free-kick eight minutes into the second half.

But Widnes proved to be too strong for the Cobbydalers and restored their two-goal advantage through Luke J Edwards after 70 minutes, before Billy Webb clinched the victory four minutes from time with a debut goal.

Manager Dunn made four changes to the side that beat Carlisle City last time out. Owen Wheeler and striker Webb made their debuts, replacing the recently departed Richie Mottram and Ross McDowell, who dropped to the bench.

Sam Sheen returned from a lengthy period on the sidelines, coming for the unavailable Adam Weston whilst Chris Lomax was preferred to Jamie Harkness as the winger returned from suspension.

It was Lomax who made an instant impact, putting Widnes ahead inside the opening minute.

Debutant Billy Webb was the instigator, forcing Silsden ‘keeper Callum Jakovlevs into an error after racing 30 yards from his goal to clear the loose ball that fell to Lomax, who superbly curled his effort into the empty net.

Widnes couldn’t have asked for a better start but Silsden recovered well and eased into the half as it went on.

Widnes survived a let-off midway through the half. Nicholas McNally evaded the offside trap but would have been disappointed that he didn’t test ‘keeper Wheeler at least, directing his shot harmlessly into the side-netting.

Following the opener, the first half was a largely drab affair that needed a moment to spark it into life. It was a second Widnes goal that provided that spark.

Luke J Edwards found Kev Towey with a superb pass over the top of the Silsden backline from just inside of his own half. Towey still had plenty to do, but took the ball in his stride and rifled in a powerful low shot inside Jakovlevs's near post.

Widnes came close to adding a third on the stroke of half-time. Lomax played a well-weighted free-kick towards the back-post which was met by a towering Steve Akrigg header, but Jakovlevs was on-hand to make an excellent save with Akrigg lifting his rebound over the bar.

Halftime: Silsden 0-2 Widnes

Silsden made a rejuvenated start to the second half, testing Widnes ‘keeper Wheeler early on. Christopher Wademan forced a tremendous triple save out of Wheeler on the edge of the area, with Leon Smith drilling the follow-up over the bar.

Two minutes later, Silsden pulled a goal back. Kyle Hancock drilled a free-kick beneath a Widnes wall, nestling in the back of the net beyond the outstretched Wheeler.

Widnes spurned a glorious opportunity to restore their two-goal cushion straight from the restart. Towey engineered space for himself and rolled the ball to the feet of Danny Hand, who could only drag his shot wide of the post from just inside the area. Hand had to hit the target at the very least!

Despite surviving Widnes’ latest attack, Silsden were buoyed following their goal and began to mount a period of sustained pressure. Luke Taylor was allowed to cut inside far too easily but could only shoot straight into the gloves of Wheeler.

Widnes held firm and increased their lead on the 70-minute mark. Webb forced a solid save out of Jakovlevs. Towey picked up the loose ball in the area and squared the ball to Luke J Edwards who diverted the ball into the back of the net, netting his third goal of the season.

Widnes’ third goal of the afternoon all but killed off the threat of Silsden and a fourth goal four minutes from time sealed the victory.
Chris Lomax went on a bursting run forward, playing a neat one-two with Billy Webb before putting the return ball on a plate for the debuting striker, who calmly slotted home to bag a deserved debut goal.

Fulltime: Silsden 1-4 Widnes

Widnes latest victory is their third consecutive league win, stretching their unbeaten run to 12 games in all competitions.

Next up for Widnes is a double-header at the Select Security Stadium. Joey Dunn’s side host AFC Blackpool on Saturday (kick-off 3pm), before welcoming Southport in the quarter-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup on Monday (kick-off 7.45pm).