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PREVIEW | Widnes v Radcliffe

PREVIEW | Widnes v Radcliffe

Callum Chadwick17 Aug 2018 - 14:30
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https://www.widnesfootballclub

All you need to know ahead of Widnes' first-ever Evo-Stik League fixture at home to Radcliffe

Widnes welcome Radcliffe to Townfield today for their first-ever game in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League.

Kick-off at 3.00pm will signal a rapid rise through the leagues for Widnes, who were preparing for a trip to FC Oswestry Town in the North West Counties League First Division two years ago this weekend.

Back-to-back promotions have since followed, and Widnes now begin life at Step 4 of the Non-League pyramid after five seasons in the North West Counties League.

Co-bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey, who masterminded last season’s double-winning success after taking the helm in October, will be looking for a response after Widnes were knocked out of the Emirates FA Cup in midweek, losing their extra preliminary round replay 1-0 at Northwich Victoria after extra time.

Opponents Radcliffe will be looking to improve this term after finishing 20th in Division One North last season as manager Jon Macken prepares for his first full season at the helm.

Macken made over 500 appearances as a professional, including a three-year stint in the Premier League at Manchester City under Kevin Keegan. He is assisted by former Chelsea and Leicester City defender Frank Sinclair – a two-time League Cup winner who represented Jamaica at the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Kevin Towey said…

"Every game will be tough at this level. Radcliffe are no exception. They'll come in a similar sort of vain to Northwich and take the game to us, looking to play when they can.

"They'll make it very difficult for us. Although we've got our expectations in what we want to achieve, we won't underestimate the task in front of us."

Team News

Jay Roberts faces a fight to be fit to face Radcliffe after limping out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at home to Northwich with a knee injury, which ruled him out of Wednesday’s replay.

Sean Myler has stepped up his recovery from a knee problem but remains three or four weeks away from a comeback.

Widnes will be boosted by the availability of striker Jamie Rainford, who is in-line to make his first appearance for the Club after being granted international clearance in midweek.

Phil Doran is also available again after missing the replay defeat at Vics through work commitments.

Former Widnes forward Tunde Owolabi could feature for Radcliffe.

One to Watch

Elliot Rokka returned to Radcliffe in the summer after a one-season stint as a professional at Tranmere Rovers.

Prior to his move to Rovers, Rokka made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young talents at this level, making 159 appearances and scoring 36 goals in his first spell at the club between 2014 and 2017.

Rokka won the Northern Premier League Division One North Young Player of the Year award in 2017.

Matchday Information

Date: Saturday 18th August
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Location: Townfield Lane, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4LH
Adults: £7
Concession: £3
Under 16s: FREE when accompanied by a paying adult

Please be aware that there is limited parking within the ground (players and officials) and a small number of spectators. No coaches should go past the main gates and the adjacent memorial hall car park is subject to being locked with bollards at any time.

Barnton Village Library is possibly the best car parking option, approximately 200 metres from the ground on the opposite side of the road but still on Townfield Lane.

Further reading