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Widnes get 'reality check' after opening day defeat - co-boss Steve Akrigg

Widnes get 'reality check' after opening day defeat - co-boss Steve Akrigg

Callum Chadwick20 Aug 2018 - 15:00
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Akrigg offers his reaction to Widnes' opening day loss to Radcliffe

Steve Akrigg hopes that Widnes' opening day defeat at home to Radcliffe will serve as a reality check for his players.

Widnes were beaten 2-0 in their Evo-Stik League Division One West opener by the Borough, with two goals in nine first half minutes from Ben Wharton and Elliot Rokka.

Speaking after the game, co-boss Akrigg bemoaned his side's lack of creativity in the Whites' opening three competitive games.

"The first half cost us massively," Akrigg said.

"The first goal that we conceded is identical to the goals we conceded against Northwich in both games. It's pretty much a direct ball down the left-hand side and the lad has got in-behind and scored.

"We faced an uphill struggle being 2-0 down after 20 minutes and although the second half was a bit better, the creativity just wasn't there.

"From our point-of-view, we have to put that right because it hasn't been good enough in our first three games. We've got players good enough to cause teams problems.

"We're not playing the style of football that worked so well for us last season which is something we as a coaching staff need to address ahead of Tuesday's game.

"I hope today is a reality check in terms of the level we're now playing at.

"We're not a big side at this level. Teams like Radcliffe will play a certain way and cause us problems, and it's exactly what they did.

"We only had a few scraps in the box that we should have taken but I think that we were a bit naive and improvement is needed."

Widnes have now only scored once in their opening three competitive games, and Akrigg insists that there will be changes if an improvement isn't made.

He said, "It's up to myself and Kev (Towey) to find a solution. If we have to change personnel, then so be it.

"Once lads get the shirt, it's up to them to produce. At the moment, a lot of the players are playing themselves out of the team.

"We've got to do a lot more. If that means going out and bringing in new faces, that's what we'll do."

Akrigg is demanding a reaction ahead of Tuesday's trip to Mossley, but the co-boss is aware of the challenge that Widnes face at Seel Park.

"It's not going to be an easy place to go," Akrigg said.

"I've played there many times on a Tuesday night and it's a difficult place to go and get something. We'll have to be a lot better."

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