There’s still all to play for in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division as we head into the final eight games of the season, with second spot and a potential promotion place to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League still up for grabs.

For Widnes, that means that Kev Towey and Steve Akrigg’s men must put last weekend’s defeat at Barnoldswick Town behind them knowing that the next month could prove to be an exciting one with a number of big games ahead.

Saturday’s heavy loss at Barnoldswick signalled an end to Widnes’ superb 16-game unbeaten run in the league, with the Whites suffering a first reverse since November.

It was a performance that Widnes will be keen to move on from, starting with a positive reaction against the relegation-threatened Non-League Reds.

It’s been a largely disappointing season for AFC Liverpool, who currently sit five points from safety with a game in-hand.

Performances have been improved since Stuart Keir and Ben Williams took the helm as joint managers back in January, but the Reds have picked up just eight points since the duo replaced Chris Stammers despite their free-flowing football that has yielded 10 goals in their past three games.

Recent results have been encouraging with just one defeat in their last three, with co-managers Keir and Williams targeting a positive result with 10 games left to play.

Kevin Towey said…

“Everytime we’ve had a setback this season we’ve seen a reaction and I’m just hoping it’s the same this time.

“There’s no need to ring the changes. It’s the same 18-20 players who were unbeaten in 16 games. It wasn’t an accident. The trust is still well within the lads.”

Team News

Stuart Cook is available again after returning from international duty in Georgia with England futsal.

Jay Roberts and George Lomax were both substituted with knocks in the loss at Barnoldswick, with the fitness of both set to be assessed prior to kick-off.

Previous Meetings…

Widnes are unbeaten in both of their previous meetings with AFC Liverpool, having won both of the fixtures between the two sides earlier this season.

A Tom Mitchell goal in the opening minute proved to be the winner in the First Round of the Liverpool Senior Cup at the Halton Stadium back in October as Widnes progressed in the first-ever contest between the two sides.

In the reverse league fixture, Widnes ran out 4-2 winners at the Marine Travel Arena. The visitors were cruising with a 4-0 half-time lead with goals from Brad Smart, Sam Sheen, Jack Banister and a Jack Cookson own goal before James Howell and James Sloane grabbed goals for the hosts in the second half.

Club Connections…

George Lomax and Dylan Sweeney are two current Widnes players who have represented AFC Liverpool in their careers.

Meanwhile, current Reds stopper Cookson was on the books of Widnes under the management of Joey Dunn but never appeared in a competitive game for the Whites.

Adam Weston, Michael White and River Humphreys have also played for both clubs.

Matchday Information

Date: Saturday 7th April
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Location: Halton Stadium, Lowerhouse Lane, Widnes, WA8 7DZ
Adults: £6
Concession: £3
Under 16s: FREE when accompanied by a paying adult