Widnes FC go head-to-head with Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division side Marine in the Semi Final of the Liverpool Senior Cup with a place in the Final the prize for the winner.

Seven-time winners Marine stand in the way of Widnes potentially reaching a first cup final in the club's short history tonight after Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey's side dispatched both AFC Liverpool and Southport to reach this stage of the competition.

The odd goal separated Widnes and the Non League Reds back in October as Tom Mitchell headed home the winner inside the opening minute before Akrigg and Towey's men thrashed the Sandgrounders 5-1 at the quarter-final stage back in December.

Joint boss Towey netted twice on the night as Widnes dumped out Southport, managed by former England International Kevin Davies, and Towey will be hoping to mark his 34th birthday with victory and a place in the final.

Speaking after Saturday's 7-1 win over Barnton, Towey is aware of the magnitude of the task at-hand but is looking forward to the challenge.

He said: "The games are coming thick and fast and they certainly aren't getting any easier.

"Marine are two divisions higher but are struggling in their league but I'm convinced that Tommy (Lawson) will put a very strong side out. There won't be any gimmes."

Widnes' 7-1 thrashing of the Villagers' last time out was the perfect way to prepare for tonight's tie, with Jack Banister netting twice off the bench en route to the comprehensive victory.

In contrasting form to Widnes, Marine come into the game on a run of nine games without a win, with Lawson's side last tasting victory on 23rd December with a 4-0 win at Barwell.

The Mariners last won this competition in 2008, beating Liverpool 1-0 in front of their home fans thanks to Peter Cumiskey’s late penalty.

To reach this stage of this season's competition, Marine came from behind to beat City of Liverpool in the First Round before a James Murray goal ensured a 1-0 win over Tranmere Rovers at the Quarter Final stage.

Team News

Widnes will be without the services of both George and Chris Lomax, with the siblings both cup-tied after appearing for Marine in the early stages of the competition.

Stuart Cook is ineligible but Widnes should welcome back Jack Graham and Jay Roberts who were both rested for the win over Barnton.

As for Marine, Tony Donaldson and John McGrath are both cup-tied after appearing for Widnes and City of Liverpool respectively in the earlier rounds.

Matchday Information

Officials
Referee: Daniel Issawi
Assistant Referee 1: Kieran Johnson
Assistant Referee 2: Liam Ockleshaw

Details

Date: Tuesday 13th February
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Location: Marine Travel Arena, College Road, Crosby, Liverpool, L23 3AS
Adults: £6
Concession: £3

Please note that this game is all pay admission