There's been an overwhelming sense that the Whites should have more to show for their efforts early this term, and a trip to pre-season promotion contenders Colne is an opportunity to kick-start the season with a big three points.

The Whites will be buoyed having picked up a good point in their last league fixture away at Marske United last month, and their last meeting with Steve Cunningham's Reds in April, in which Ben Hodkinson netted twice late on as Widnes came from two goals down to win 3-2.

That game seemingly ended Colne's play-off hopes, but a Widnes win at Runcorn Linnets in the penultimate game of the season propelled the Reds back into the top-five, with Cunningham's men eventually losing out to eventual play-off finalists Leek Town.

In fact, Colne have made the play-offs in two out of their first three seasons at this level, but they'll be harbouring promotion ambitions with a summer recruitment drive that led to the additions of Max Hazeldine, Sefton Gonzales and Aidan Chippendale.

A midweek Emirates FA Cup win over higher-ranked South Shields made it six unbeaten in all competition for Cunningham's side, conceding just once in that run.

Widnes will be boosted by Jay Roberts' availability at right-back, while the Whites have no fresh injury concerns.

George Webster has joined Runcorn Town on an initial one-month dual registration deal, but Mike Burke is edging ever-closer to full fitness and could once again be named amongst the substitutes.

Sam Heathcote and Jake Phillips remain long-term absentees but former Widnes man Tony Donaldson could feature for Colne.

Victory for Widnes at the Sovereign Play Stadium would move the Whites level on points with their opponents, while three points for Colne would lift the Reds into the play-off positions.