REPORT: Widnes 0-3 Charnock Richard

Widnes FC slipped to a disappointing 3-0 home defeat at the hands of Charnock Richard on Saturday, as the visitors displayed their promotion credentials with a comfortable win.

After Billy Webb hit the bar early on, Charnock took an 18th minute lead as Carl Grimshaw lashed home from close-range before Nathan Fairhurst extended the advantage from the spot seven minutes into the second half.

Jonathan Hession completed the scoring midway through the period, capitalising on a defensive howler to slot past Richie Mottram.

Joint bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey made one change to the side that beat previously unbeaten league leaders Runcorn Town in midweek. Towey made way for Ben Hodkinson, who made his first start following his arrival from Bootle.

Hodkinson was involved early on as Widnes made a positive start. Chris Lomax went on a driving run forward only for the loose ball to break to Hodkinson who curled an effort high and wide of the target.

Widnes were then denied by the woodwork five minutes later. Former Charnock Richard man Joe Fielding floated a cross into the area that was flicked on by Hodkinson to the unmarked Webb at the back-post, who hit a cushioned volley against the bar.

Charnock punished Widnes for the early inefficiencies in front of goal as they took the lead. It was a goal from nothing as Michael Grogan’s sliding challenge fell to the prolific Grimshaw, who slammed his shot from close-range into the roof of the net.

Andy Westwell’s side should have immediately extended their lead. Fairhurst was left unmarked in the area as he rose highest to meet a Matthew Davison header, but he could only nod over the bar.

The hosts looked to the flanks for their main threat, as Jack Banister cut inside from the left only to hit a shot over before Jay Roberts came forward on the opposite flank only to see his shot blocked by Ryan Schofield.

Widnes looked vulnerable at the back and it took a crucial recovery intervention from Mike Burke to take Hession’s shot behind for a corner after Charnock carved open the hosts far too easily.

A defensive lapse of concentration then allowed Grimshaw a free run to meet Davison’s cross, but he let himself down with the finish as he could only nod over.

Halftime: Widnes 0-1 Charnock Richard

Widnes needed a response, and it should have come in the second half’s opening moments. Banister engineered space for a cross that found the unmarked Hodkinson at the back-post, but his diving header fell harmlessly wide of the post when he should have hit the target at the very least.

However, Charnock Richard quickly regained control and were awarded a penalty seven minutes into the half. Davison got the better of Fielding who brought down his former teammate with a sliding challenge.

Fairhurst stepped up, and confidently sent Mottram the wrong way to double Charnock’s lead.

Widnes looked to the bench for inspiration as Towey and Brad Smart came on for Hodkinson and Webb, but the visitors added a third to make sure of the points midway through the half.

Akrigg and Towey’s side gifted Charnock a third as Hession capitalised on a Grogan error to pick up the loose ball and roll a shot into the empty net to round off his Man of the Match performance with a goal.

It was dismal afternoon from Widnes’ perspective, summed up late on as skipper Kev Pollard wildly hit a volley over from distance to complete a miserable day at the office.

Fulltime: Widnes 0-3 Charnock Richard

Widnes now face a quick turnaround as Akrigg and Towey’s side host Carlisle City in the second round of the Macron Cup on Monday night. Kick-off 8pm.