After Monday’s controversial defeat at home to Kidsgrove Athletic, in which four Widnes players were sent off, the Whites bounced back in convincing fashion, with Michael Grogan and Jamie Rainford both finding the net either side of half-time.

Joint managers Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey made four changes, with Towey and Jay Roberts dropping to the bench as Rainford and the fit again Mike Burke came in.

Elsewhere, Tom Croughan was in action for Rylands as George Webster was handed a second start of the season, while George Lomax replaced Ben Hodkinson who was ruled out with a hand injury.

It was a game that Widnes controlled almost exclusively, and a win that probably should have been more comprehensive. However, it was Glossop who had the first chance, as Tyrell McKenzie fired into the side-netting on 15 minutes.

Widnes were soon hitting their stride and were denied an almost-certain opener by a great finger-tip save by North End goalkeeper Russ Saunders. Great feet by Ben Cartwright engineered space for a cross that was met by a towering Chris Lomax header, but the Glossop custodian made the save.

Glossop skipper Matt Russell then fired an effort over as the visitors struggled to penetrate a solid Widnes defence and test goalkeeper Richie Mottram.

The opener came on the half-hour mark. Webster showed great desire to win a loose second ball and lift a wonderfully-weighted cross towards the back-post, where Grogan – one of the four men sent off in the Kidsgrove loss – was on-hand to nod beyond Saunders and into the far corner.

Webster was again involved moments later, combining well with George Lomax who then looked to release Rainford in behind but Saunders reacted quickly to block the initial effort, and then claw the loose ball off the line.

Widnes went in at the break with the lead and the initiative, picking up where they left off in the second half.

The Lomax brothers combined as Chris produced a delicious delivery towards the six-yard area with George awaiting, only for the younger sibling to head over the bar.

Glossop, led by ex-Widnes man Darrhyl Mason, looked to break on the counter-attack but Mark Canning and Andy Bishop’s men found little joy against a stout Widnes back-line with McKenzie only able to force a comfortable save out of Mottram from distance.

A second goal was coming, and it almost came on the hour-mark as the excellent Webster raced free down the left and squared for Chris Lomax who was denied by the outstretched leg of Saunders.

Widnes didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity, and this time it produced a second goal four minutes later.

It was a goal good enough to grace any game as Webster magnificently lifted a pass over the back-four, helped on by a cushioned Chris Lomax cross with Rainford on-hand to turn home against his former club.

Chris Lomax had another sight of goal 20 minutes from time, but Saunders again saved well after good work by Webster in the build-up.

Grogan could have added his second and Widnes’ late in normal time, but the former Marine man was caught underneath substitute Towey’s corner and could only head over.

Widnes’ second win of the season lifts the Whites up to 12th in the Evo-Stik Division One North, with six points from six games.

A midweek trip to Witton Albion in the Integro Cup provides a short break from league action ahead of next Saturday’s game away at Colwyn Bay.