REPORT | Longridge Town 1-5 Widnes

Widnes secured their progression through to the preliminary round of the Emirates FA Cup with a thumping replay win at Longridge Town.

Goals from Matt Van Wyk, James Steele, substitute Will Jones and an Eddie Servuts brace ensured that Michael Ellison’s side comfortably disposed of their lower-ranked opposition at the second time of asking.

Leighton Hewitt netted three minutes from time for the hosts but the damage was already done and this was little more than a consolation.

Saturday’s original tie finished 1-1 despite Widnes dominating proceedings with boss Ellison left to rue wasted opportunities in the aftermath.

But the Whites were much more ruthless on a picturesque evening in Lancashire and the scoreline was a fair reflection of the contest.

They took the lead after 17 minutes when Servuts intercepted a pass on the halfway line that created an opportunity for Van Wyk to gallop forward in transition.

And the former FC United of Manchester man went alone and as the Longridge backline retreated into their own area, Van Wyk dipped his shoulder and arrowed a shot into the left-hand corner.

It was 2-0 nine minutes later.

Servuts again won possession back in midfield but this time created space to fashion a pass into Steele on the left-hand side who bullied his way into a shooting position, beating Aiden McKearney with a well-taken finish.

It was Steele’s second goal in as many FA Cup ties to start the season and the fifth time he’s netted in five FA Cup ties stretching back to last season during his time at City of Liverpool.

A third goal came on the hour-mark through Jones who scored with his first real involvement after replacing Steele just a matter of moments earlier.

He raced on to a defensive header and showed great composure to round the on-rushing McKearney before slotting home into an empty net.
Widnes put the game beyond all doubt with a fourth goal just three minutes later.

The returning Matty Rain burst forward and threaded a ball through to Servuts who capped a fine individual performance by finishing well into the far corner.

And Servuts scored his second to make it five 11 minutes from time when he turned home with a cushioned volley from a Kai Shorrock cross.

Hewitt’s goal off the bench took a little bit of shine of the visitors’ performance, but manager Ellison would have no doubt been delighted to record a morale and confidence boosting victory four days before the start of the Northern Premier League season.

Widnes will host Trafford in the preliminary round later this month.