Dave Dempsey spoke of his delight after Widnes progressed in the FA Trophy after a 2-0 win over Brighouse Town.

Sam Adetiloye and Jordan Southworth were on the scoresheet as the Whites booked a date with Stocksbridge Park Steels in the second qualifying round.

And the new boss was satisfied after recording his first win since his appointment two weeks ago.

"We spoke to the boys about going back to basics today," Dempsey said.

"We wanted to outwork and outrun Brighouse, win the individual battles and generally be a nuisance.

"I've never seen a Widnes side play like that. It's always been pretty with a lot of passes and sometimes you've got to go the opposite way and outfight teams to earn the right to play football.

"And I think 1-16, we were absolutely outstanding.

"I thought the first goal was really well worked. Sammy's finish was absolutely top-drawer.

"Steelie's [James Steele] been busy and worked hard to keep the ball alive for the second one and it's popped up nicely for Jordan to score.

"We've been working hard on winning seconds balls. I said to the lads if they did that they'd win the game and I thought they did really well in that department today."

Dempsey made six changes to the side beaten at Workington last time out with debuts handed to Southworth, Jack Hatton, James McCulloch and John McGrath from the start, while Jamie Frost and Ollie Broe made their bows off the bench.

"The way the lads applied themselves and dovetailed with the boys who have already been here was like they've been playing together for a long time," Dempsey added.

"I'm not going to be signing players that I think can't come in and make a difference.

"I won't bring kids in that'll be sat on the bench. Every player I bring in will add something to the squad.

"We've made changes because it simply hasn't been good enough to start the season. We've scored three goals in eight games and only picked up four points in the league.

"At the end of the day, the boys who've been left out now need to look at the 11 and 16 involved today and see that a level has been set.

"It's not a case of resting players or keeping things fresh. Matty Makinson, Shaun Holden and Kyle Sambor have been carrying knocks but aside from that, we needed to strengthen and that's what we've done."