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Dave Dempsey | Atherton Collieries (H) Reaction

Callum Chadwick23 Jul 2022 - 18:00
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The boss on Widnes' pre-season friendly defeat against Atherton Colls

Dave Dempsey was in a positive mood despite seeing his Widnes side narrowly beaten by higher-ranked Atherton Collieries.

Luke Sephton notched a first half opener but Aaron Smith's second half double, including a stoppage time winner, condemned the Whites to defeat in their first home pre-season friendly.

But the boss was buoyant and felt that his side competed well against Northern Premier League Premier Division opposition.

"This is exactly the kind of game you want at this stage of pre-season. We've played against a very good Atherton Collieries side," Dempsey said.

"You can see that they're a league above us, certainly in the second half. They dictated possession and we had to be better out of possession rather than in it.

"But I thought the lads did themselves proud. Our shape was good, we've worked hard and the distances were right.

"I thought we were the better side in the first half. I think pound-for-pound, chance-for-chance, we had certainly more them - we easily could have gone in at half time having scored three or four.

"We've had to defend well don't get me wrong but we just need to be a little bit more clinical in front of goal and I think once that clicks, we'll do really well.

"They came out the traps well and their intensity was high. They pressed our back line high up the pitch but once we grew into the game, we were very strong and created a lot of chances.

"I'm really pleased with our application. We've done really well against a really strong side who've scored at the death. Up until that, it was a draw against a side in the league above."

Sephton's 17th minute opener was his first goal in a Widnes shirt after a summer move from Northwich Victoria.

Dempsey heaped praised on the forward but admitted that he was frustrated by his side's lack of cutting edge in front of goal.

"I thought Luke Sephton was outstanding today," Dempsey added.

"His work rate and endeavour was excellent. He's showed today why we brought him to the football club - he's just not stopped working.

"The frustrating for me is we've created so many good chances that we've worked hard for but we just never managed to capitalise.

"I thought Colls were very good in the second half. I think we tired a bit but I don't think that's down to fitness, I think that was down to how well they were moving the ball.

"It's just unfortunate we weren't able to hold on for a draw but as a manager, I'm very happy with how well the lads have done."

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