Widnes had opened the new campaign, their first in the Northern Premier League after successive promotion, with two consecutive defeats at home to Radcliffe and away at Mossley.

Goals from co-boss Kev Towey, Ben Hodkinson and a rare strike from defender Mike Burke secured a confidence and morale boosting win for the Whites, who were without a win in four competitive games to start the season, scoring just twice.

Towey and joint manager Steve Akrigg made two changes to the side that beaten at Mossley. George Webster dropped to the bench while the suspended Michael Grogan missed out, with Towey and skipper Kev Pollard coming into the side.

Hosting their third fixture at their temporary home of Townfield, Widnes made a positive start and took a ninth minute lead, with Towey marking his 100th appearance for the club with a close-range finish.

The Whites would have welcomed the good start, and they added a second on the approach of the half-hour mark as Chris Lomax combined with Hodkinson who directed his second goal of the season beyond Market Drayton goalkeeper Owen Skelton.

Hodkinson came close to adding his second, and Widnes’ third goal of the afternoon five minutes later. He again linked up with Lomax, latching on to the winger’s header forward only to get the ball caught under his feet allowing the visitors to sweep away the danger.

A third goal came 11 minutes into the second half, with the imposing Burke, known more for keeping the ball out the other end, volleying home from inside the area to net only his third goal for the club since arriving in July 2016.

Widnes will look to carry their momentum into Saturday’s trip to Colne. Kick-off 3pm.