Steele’s winner ensured that the Whites made it two from two in the New Year, recording back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since April 2018.

Co-bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey couldn’t have asked for a better start to 2020 after ending 2019 on a run of 13 league games without a win – a run stretching back to mid-September.

With Towey still on holiday, Akrigg again took sole charge and made just one change to the side that thumped Kendal Town on New Year’s Day, with Jay Roberts returning at right-back to replace teenager Eoin Ashton, with Salford City loanee Sam Adetiloye moving into midfield.

The Whites started well with the impressive Rhain Hellawell setting the early agenda, turning narrowly wide after Steele had an effort blocked by Steve Howson.

Hellawell threatened again moments later as he forced a save out of Chris Thompson, while Anointed Chukwu headed off target as Widnes went in search of an opener.

Dave Pace’s Bloods – beaten by Widnes in the reverse fixture back in August – grew into the half as it went on. Forward Jack Kay looked to capitalise on a fortuitous deflection only to be denied by the body of keeper Tom Scott.

Scott was called into action again following the half-hour mark, pushing winger Harry Cannon-Noren’s shot away to safety after the former Runcorn Linnets man turned inside of Shaun Holden.

The visitors came within inches of going in at the break with a slender lead, but Andrew Langford cleared Michael Grogan’s seemingly goalbound effort off the line after the Widnes defender met Roberts’ well-flighted free-kick into the area.

Widnes carried their momentum into the second half and always looked the more likely side to muster an advantage.

Droylsden keeper Thompson gifted Anointed Chukwu a chance to continue his recent good form, but the on loan Salford striker delayed and spurned his opportunity, shooting wide via a slight deflection.

The game was on a knife-edge and the introduction of Ashton midway through the second half offered Widnes renewed energy, and they were soon in front.

Holden found space on the left to deliver an inch-perfect cross towards the near-post, where youngster James Steele was on-hand to nod home a glancing header to give Widnes the lead and send their travelling support into delirium.

Droylsden pushed forward but besides Jack Kay rounding keeper Scott only to be booked for diving, the Bloods offered little and Widnes held on for a deserved three points.