Widnes’ interest in the NPL Integro Cup ended for another season as they were beaten 2-1 by Premier Division side Hyde United at the Halton Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Paddy Lane and Tom Pratt put the visitors two goals to the good before James Steele’s stunning strike in second-half stoppage time set up a thrilling conclusion, but Hyde survived a late Widnes rally to secure their progression through to the last eight.

Cameron Terry made his debut in goal in one of four changes from the side that won at Trafford four days previously. Elsewhere, co-boss Kev Towey, Fisnik Hajdari and Kingsley Williams all dropped to the bench as Danny Ventre, James Murray and George Webster all earned recalls.

Widnes started brightly but found themselves behind after only five minutes. Lane played a corner short to Illiam Ndiaye and received the return to tee himself up to curl an effort beyond the outstretched Terry as Hyde raced into an early lead.

It was a corner routine that Widnes were aware of as revealed by Steve Akrigg after the game, with the Whites’ joint-managed particularly disappointed that his side failed to heed the warning relayed to them in the dressing room before kick-off.

The goal seemed to stun Widnes who took a while to get going as Hyde took control. Ndiaye created space for himself to test Terry minutes later but the young shot-stopper made a comfortable save.

Terry had to again be alert when Pratt found himself in behind, but a heavy touch from the Hyde forward allowed the goalkeeper to collect the loose ball.

Widnes eventually grew into the contest led by the lively Ryan Jennings. The winger ran at the heart of the Hyde defence before seeing a shot charged down.

Jennings was again involved moments later. A sensational piece of skill created space to quickly release the run of Murray but his shot was scuffed wide.

Ben Hodkinson – on his 100th appearance for the Whites – had the ball in the net moments later only to be adjudged offside as Widnes enjoyed a period of sustained pressure, with Steele seeing a cushioned volley comfortably saved moments later.

Widnes’ best chance came within seconds of the restart. Jennings threaded a pass through to Murray but Kai Calderbank – signed on loan from Burnley earlier in the day – made a big save at his near post to preserve Hyde’s advantage.

Calderbank was at it again moments later, delivering a strong hand to deny Ste Hoy’s rasping drive from distance.

Hyde had survived a Widnes onslaught unscathed, and they soon doubled their advantage. Ashley Young hit a long diagonal forward that was expertly controlled by Pratt, who found an opening in the Whites’ backline to slot home a second for the visitors.

The hosts then suffered a blow when Shaun Holden was withdrawn through injury, with Francois Antoine making his debut from the bench.

And the former Marine and Prescot Cables winger was bright during his first Widnes appearance, blazing high and wide of the target moments following his introduction.

The game seemed to peter out as a contest, but Widnes underwent a revival in the late stages with Steele seeing an ambitious effort from long-range crash back against the crossbar as the hosts showed signs of life.

Academy youngster Amir Hajri was brought off the bench in search of a goal, and he provided the assist inside second-half stoppage time.

It was a well-worked team goal that came from a Widnes throw-in deep in their own half with Steele busting a gut to race forward on the left. It was Hajri who provided the assist and Steele cut inside to find the postage stamp with a splendid strike.

Widnes rallied but they were unable to muster an equaliser as Hyde hung on to advance to the last eight.