REPORT: Widnes 2-0 Runcorn Town

George Lomax marked his return with a goal as Widnes strolled to a 2-0 Halton Derby win over Runcorn Town at the Select Security Stadium on Friday night.

In front of a healthy crowd of 255, Lomax fired the hosts into the lead after seven minutes, with joint boss Kev Towey adding a second early in the second half as Widnes completed a league double over the near neighbours.

The comfortable victory sees Towey and Steve Akrigg's side climb above Town into the second place in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division, 10 points adrift of league leaders Runcorn Linnets.

Akrigg and Towey made four changes to the side that drew at Hanley Town last time out. The trio of Danny Laverty, Brad Smart and Ben Hodkinson dropped to the bench as Lomax, Towey and Jack Graham came into the side. Elsewhere, Chris Lomax was handed a recall ahead of the unavailable Jack Banister.

Widnes asserted themselves early and were rewarded with a seventh minute opener. Towey found himself in space outside the area, rolling a pass wide to Chris Lomax. The elder Lomax brother unselfishly squared to brother George, who fired home a goal on his second Widnes debut via the underside of the bar.

Lomax was in again minutes later, racing on to Mottram's pinpoint pass forward, lifting his effort beyond Runcorn goalkeeper Terry McCormick but agonisingly wide of the target.

Aside from the early goal, there was little action of note in the early exchanges as both sides contributed to a cagey opening 30 minutes. Jack Graham blazed over for Widnes, while striker Lomax couldn't quite get on the end of a dangerous Jay Roberts delivery to net his second of the evening.

Towey was gifted a gilt-edged chance to add a second for Widnes, racing on to Michael Johnston's header towards McCormick that ran astray, but the Widnes joint boss couldn't hit the target with his lobbed effort.

Despite Town carrying a threat going forward, Widnes were in total control for the majority of the first half, controlling possession as the hosts went in search of an all-important second goal.

Chris Lomax found himself in behind the Runcorn defence 10 minutes before the break, only to drag his shot wide of the post with an effort he would have been really disappointed with.

Half-time: Widnes 1-0 Runcorn Town

While Widnes dominated first half proceedings, they only had a one goal lead for their efforts, but they put any doubts to bed with a second goal five minutes following the restart.

Phil Doran probed forward from left-back and played a pass into the feet of Towey inside the area. The joint boss magnificently did the rest, dispatching Liam Turner with a stunning turn before applying a trademark finish that nestled in the top corner.

Widnes had their tails up, smelling blood in search of a third. Doran was next to go close, firing over after exchanging neat passes with Chris Lomax.

Runcorn enjoyed a decent spell but they struggled to penetrate the Widnes defence and test Richie Mottram. Ex-Widnes man Sam Henry was presented with a chance to mark his Town debut with a goal but Roberts got across well to make a good block.

The hosts continued to probe, with Mottram's long ball find Towey who looked to release strike partner Lomax but McCormick got down well to make a decent save.

Sean Myler then rattled the crossbar with a venomous 25-yard free kick, before substitute Hodkinson forced a smart stop out of McCormick, albeit from an offside position.

New signing Stuart Cook received a warm welcome from the Widnes faithful as he came off the bench to make his debut, and he almost made a dream start with a goal.

The England futsal international went on a marauding run forward, curling a shot narrowly wide of McCormick's right-hand post.

Full-time: Widnes 2-0 Runcorn Town

Widnes' remarkable run of form goes on with victory over their near-neighbours. Akrigg and Towey's men extended their unbeaten run to 12 games, winning 11 of those contests.

Widnes are back in action next Saturday, hosting Padiham at the Select Security Stadium.