A goal in each half from the Lomax brothers – Chris and George – earned Widnes FC a deserved, but hard-fought 2-0 victory over Bacup Borough at Barnton’s Hinchcliffe Holmes Stadium.

Joey Dunn’s side went ahead on 18 minutes as a powerful Jack Graham drive was only parried by Bacup ‘keeper Aaron Ashley, falling kindly for Chris Lomax who prodded home from close-range.

Widnes added a second seven minutes into the second half. Michael Burns played a corner short to Chris Lomax, whose shot on goal took a heavy deflection, sitting up nicely for his brother George, who nodded the ball into the back of the Bacup net.

Manager Joey Dunn made three changes to the side that thrashed FC Oswestry Town 5-0 in midweek. Michael Burns was handed a first start, whilst Danny Hand and Mike Burke were handed recalls. Out went Kev Pollard, Luke J Edwards and Kev Towey, who were all rested as the latter two dropped to the bench.

Also named amongst the substitutes was former St Helens Town, Marine and Skelmersdale United striker Chad Whyte, who completed a move to Widnes earlier in the week.

Bacup came close to an early opener. Widnes goalkeeper Owen Wheeler had to be alert as Lee Constantine’s hook on goal from Adrian Bellamy’s flick-on looked destined for the net, but Wheeler produced a terrific diving save to avert an early setback for the hosts.

It was a rather cagey affair not helped by a playing surface that quickly cut up as the half went on, making it difficult for both sides to play a possession-based style.

Widnes took the lead as the half approached its midway point. Jack Graham’s stinging drive could only be parried by Aaron Ashley. Chris Lomax was the quickest to react in the area, pouncing on the loose ball to tuck away his finish, netting his 14th goal of the season.

Billy Webb was lively once again for Widnes throughout the first half. He arrowed a half-chance wide of the post from distance, before superbly latching on to a clever pass from Lomax minutes later. He did well to hold off a Bellamy challenge, but could only shoot straight at Ashley.

In a largely uneventful first half, chances were rare but spurned by Widnes when they came. The hosts arguably should have increased their lead on the stroke of half-time. Webb found himself in space on the right flank, pulling his cross back into the area towards Jack Graham, who perhaps snatched at his chance which he skied over.

Halftime: Widnes 1-0 Bacup Borough

Seven minutes into the second half, Widnes doubled their advantage. Michael Burns played a corner short to Chris Lomax. Lomax’s shot took a wicked deflection, allowing brother George Lomax to peel off his man inside the 6-yard area, and head the loose ball into the back of the net.

The referee deserved credit minutes later for playing advantage that lead to a Widnes chance. Chris Lomax was upended but played on, releasing Danny Hand through the middle, but ‘keeper Ashley made a decent save to deny the Widnes man.

Ashley was in fine form and spared teammate Harvey Close’s blushes as the Bacup shot-stopper produced an excellent save to prevent an own goal. Burns switched play to George Lomax, who engineered space for a cross headed towards his own goal by Close, but Ashley was alert to make a great diving save.

Chances were few and far between and with just over 12 minutes to go, Michael Burns spurned a glorious opportunity to net his first Widnes goal. George Lomax produced a superb cross towards the back-post, finding the unmarked Burns who could only divert the ball over on the half-volley from close-range.

Fulltime: Widnes 2-0 Bacup Borough

Widnes’ latest victory continues their fine run of form. Dunn’s side are now unbeaten in their last 11 league games, and have only lost once in their last 16 games in all competitions.

Widnes will be in buoyant mood as they head into an important week in the promotion chase. Dunn takes his side to Charnock Richard on Tuesday as sixth host seventh in the First Division, before Widnes host league leaders Litherland REMYCA in a massive game at the Select Security Stadium next Saturday.