Joint boss Kev Towey praised the efforts of his players as Widnes FC secured a third consecutive league victory with a 3-0 home win over Hanley Town on Saturday.

After Jack Graham opened the scoring in the first half, Towey netted twice in four second half minutes to secure a big three points that lifted Widnes to fifth in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division.

"We're delighted. It comes off the back of three tough games in seven days and we've took nine points," Towey said.

"We asked the lads for a big effort at the beginning of the week and they've all put a shift in.

"We set up for each game with a gameplan and we make sure that we do our homework so we're suitably prepared. We don't worry too much about the opposition but we make sure that we know enough about them to compete and combat them.

"Hanley have come here today and I don't think that they'll argue with that scoreline. We've got the ball down, we've played football and most importantly we've kept a clean sheet."

Towey's brace was his third in as many games, with his second goal taking his tally to five goals in a month.

After scoring just twice prior to the start of November, Towey attributes the building of momentum as crucial to his own and his side's improved form in front of goal.

He said: "It's been one of those seasons for all of us. It's been a bit stop-start since August really.

"We've been a bit inconsistent where we've won a game and then lost the next one. We've not really been able to build any momentum.

"I feel like that we've got a bit of momentum now and as someone who scores goals, there's not better time to score goals than when the momentum is with you."

Towey also singled out Danny Laverty for praise, who impressed in his first league start for Widnes since March.

He said: "About four weeks ago, Danny was in and out of the side. Sometimes, he wasn't even in the squad let alone getting minutes but his attitude has been fantastic.

"People have said things about him at other clubs in the past about his attitude not being the best when he's not in the side in terms of not sticking around for the fight but he's done that here.

"He was fantastic today. He's got through 90 minutes which he hasn't done for a long time. He's played in one or two cup games but the tempo's a little bit different compared to a league game."

Widnes now face a quick turnaround, hosting National League North side Southport on Monday in the quarter-final of the Liverpool Senior Cup.

Towey insists that he and Akrigg will field the strongest possible side for the visit of the Sandgrounders, although he admits that that will depend on the fitness of his players.

He said: "We want to have a go in this competition. While we've made changes in previous rounds, we want to be as strong as we possibly can be.

"Obviously, we won't risk anybody but if lads are feeling okay, we'll make as few changes as possible."