"We still have a little bit too do in terms of quality and keeping possession, but all in all, I'm not bothered how we've got there and we have which is the most important thing.

"I didn't think there was anything in the game. Winsford did very well over the two ties. They've caused problems, certainly at their place, and we were lucky to be here tonight.

"They had the better of us on Saturday, and even tonight in the first half, it was a bit of a scrap but I think the quality shone through in the second half.

"We made use of the spaces, distances appeared and Jay Salkeld has come off the bench to make a telling impact.

"I'm very pleased to get through the tie and into the next round.

The boss paid tribute to the contribution of Salkeld off the bench, scoring Widnes' second goal within three minutes of his introduction.

"I thought that we could utilise set-pieces effectively. That was something I picked up on when I watched Winsford against Avro," Dempsey said.

"We got one there tonight with a great delivery and a free header in the six-yard box.

"And then Jay's come off the bench and provided us with a little bit of magic. He linked up really well, gave us more and got his just rewards.

"He's a talent, a really talented kid and someone we're really looking forward to working with this season."

Widnes will face either Hallam or Bury in the preliminary round, with those two sides due to replay on Wednesday night.

And Dempsey is looking forward to the challenge ahead, regardless of opponent.

"Hallam would be a good trip away, a coach journey and Bury would be in front of a really good crowd," Dempsey said.

"They're both good sides. We'll need to work hard if we're to beat either team but if we go about our business and do the basics well, we've got a good chance of going through."