The hosts started slowly and found themselves 2-0 down after just 25 minutes as Aaron Dwyer and Cameron Darkwah netted for Stockport but Widnes rallied in the second half and claimed a point thanks to a Kev Pollard goal and a penalty from Kev Towey.

Manager Dunn made six changes to the side that were beaten in the Liverpool Senior Cup by Southport on Monday. Striker Towey, Steve Akrigg, Mike Burke, Chris Lomax, Billy Webb and Jack Graham were handed recalls whilst Tom Mitchell, Tom Freeman, Ross McDowell and George Lomax dropped to the bench.

Within the opening minute, Stockport were denied by the woodwork. Conor Downes found Aaron Dwyer in acres of space on the far side, who drilled his effort against the foot of the post before Widnes managed to clear the danger.

Dave Wild’s side started on the forefront and were rewarded with a goal after 13 minutes. Dwyer picked up a loose ball in midfield before bursting forward. He drove into the area, past two Widnes players before arrowing a shot into the back of the net.

Stockport had ‘keeper Daniel Whiting to thank for preventing an immediate Widnes reply. Luke J Edwards’ delivery was met by a towering Steve Akrigg header which was tipped on to the bar by an outstretched Whiting glove.

Widnes found themselves staring down the barrel of a first league defeat since October as Stockport extended their lead after 25 minutes. Downes’ corner from the left deflected off of Akrigg and into the path of Cameron Darkwah, who diverted the loose ball into the roof of the net from close-range.

It could have been much worse on the stroke of half-time. Dwyer was again at the head of Town’s attack as he forced a double save out of Owen Wheeler before River Humphreys made a superb intervention to prevent Alec Mudimu from shooting into an empty net.

Halftime: Widnes 0-2 Stockport Town

Dunn brought on George Lomax at half-time as Widnes looked to add to their offensive firepower. The impact was almost instant as the hosts started the half well and were rewarded with an early goal.

Chris Lomax’s corner from the right was headed back inside by Akrigg where the loose ball was prodded home on the goalline by skipper Kev Pollard, handing Widnes a much-needed lifeline.

Widnes were then on the front-foot in what was a hugely entertaining second-half.

Chris Lomax came close to an equaliser as he latched on to a clever pass from Jack Graham but ‘keeper Whiting was out quickly to make the save.

Lomax again went close on the hour-mark. Towey engineered space from himself before finding Billy Webb on the far-side. The latter linked up with Lomax who curled a shot just wide of the post.

Widnes were awarded a penalty two minutes later. Lomax was again heavily involved as he burst into the area before he was innocuously grabbed by Town skipper Tyler Devlin in the area. Despite Lomax staying on his feet, referee Richard Aspinall pointed to the spot and cautioned the Stockport captain.

Kev Towey put the ball on the spot and converted his eighth penalty of the season to equalise for Widnes.

Both teams went in search of a winner as the game approached its closing stages. Liam Bennion missed a glorious chance to restore Stockport’s lead. Bennion was left unmarked inside the 6-yard area but could only glance wide from a Thomas Bane corner.

There was another moment of drama 12 minutes from time as Stockport were reduced to 10-men. Skipper Devlin was given his marching orders after bringing down Towey inside the centre-circle.

Despite their one-man disadvantage, Stockport came back at Widnes as ‘keeper Wheeler was called into action, making a solid save from a Bane free-kick.

With time ticking away, the hosts couldn’t find a way past Stockport goalkeeper Whiting, who produced a tremendous showing for his side. Widnes skipper Pollard found himself through on goal late on but a heavy touch took the ball away from goal, with Whiting on-hand to push Pollard’s shot away for a corner.

From the resulting corner, Widnes were denied by Whiting again. Chris Lomax’s corner was met a downwards Akrigg header, but the athletic Stockport No.1 produced a stunning, fingertip save to preserve a well-earned point for his side.

Fulltime: Widnes 2-2 Stockport Town

It was a resilient performance from Dunn’s men who recovered well after finding themselves with a mountain to climb after just 25 minutes.

Next up for Widnes is a home game against FC Oswestry Town. Due to the limited availability of the Select Security Stadium, the game will be played at Barnton’s Hinchcliffe Holmes Stadium.