Steve Akrigg was delighted after seeing Widnes FC grind out a 1-0 win against Congleton Town, with Phil Doran's first half strike proving to be the winner in difficult conditions at the Richborough Estates Stadium.

In a feisty affair, Akrigg and Kev Towey's men were reduced to 10-men as Ben Hodkinson was shown a second yellow card late on but Widnes held on to record a ninth consecutive victory in all competitions to sit joint top of the table at Christmas.

Speaking after the game, Akrigg highlighted his side's resilience in grinding out the victory with their backs up against the wall.

"Today was probably one of the most pleasing wins I've had in charge," Akrigg said.

"It was a case of doing what we don't normally have to do which is defend for long periods. We were under the cosh without giving away too many chances - I don't think that they created a chance in the second half.

"It was one of them games where the pitch is a bit of a leveller as it cuts up, tackles are flying in and I don't think that the referee was very consistent.

"This is probably one of those games that you keep in mind when recruiting new players. Can they perform when facing adversity in difficult circumstances on days like this?

"But to come away from here with a 1-0 win is massive. I don't think that we conceded a shot in the second half and I'm absolutely made up to keep a clean sheet."

Widnes had Hodkinson sent off late on after he was shown a second yellow card for diving.

Despite voicing his displeasure with the referee's decision-making, Akrigg praised his players for playing their own game and focussing on securing three points.

He said: "I can see the lads' frustration in that game because there was a lot of decisions that were inconsistent.

"If a referee is consistently making the wrong decision, it's easier to take, but when I'm asking for his opinion and he's not giving it, it's disappointing from that point-of-view.

"The lads didn't rise to it which is pleasing and to secure that ninth win on the bounce has made it a really good month for the lads which I'm hoping continues on Tuesday."

Widnes travel to AFC Darwen on Boxing Day in search of a 10th straight win in all competitions.

Akrigg insists that three points is always the target heading into games regardless of the opposition.

He said: "To be honest, we target three points every time we play. We've beaten some big teams in recent weeks playing that way.

"There's little point in playing the game if you're not trying to win it is our point-of-view.

"We like to express ourselves and take games to sides. We're starting to find that resiliency defensively which makes results like this even more pleasing."