Monday Night Football returns to the Select Security Stadium for the second time this season as Widnes FC host Alsager Town in the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

Widnes have started the season well under the joint management team of Danny Meadowcroft and Brian Pritchard, winning three out of their first four games with their only defeat coming against Chadderton in their last home outing.

Last time out, Widnes eased to a 3-1 victory at FC Oswestry Town with Kev Towey netting a hat-trick.

Alsager Town were relegated from the Hallmark Security League Premier Division last season, returning to the First Division after fourteen seasons away. The Club spent two seasons in the Northern Premier League Division One in 2006-07 and 2007-08 before spending the last eight seasons in the Premier Division.

The Bullets have also started the season well. In their first season in the First Division since the 2001-02 season, Alsager are unbeaten through their first three games, thrashing Ashton Town and Charnock Richard before drawing a blank at home to Oswestry.

Last time out, Scott Dundas’ side were thrashed 6-1 by Winsford United in the FA Cup Preliminary Round with Warren Holmes netting what proved to be a consolation strike in the 42nd minute. Alsager opened their season with a 4-0 win over Barton Town Old Boys in the Extra Preliminary Round.

Recent Form

Widnes

FC Oswestry Town (A) – Won 3-1
Chadderton (H) – Lost 2-1
Sandbach United (H) – Won 2-0
Prestwich Heys (A) – Won 3-1

Alsager Town

Winsford United (A) – Lost 6-1 (FA Cup Preliminary Round)
FC Oswestry Town (H) – Drew 0-0
Charnock Richard (A) – Won 4-1
Ashton Town (A) – Won 4-0
Barton Town Old Boys (H) – Won 4-1 (FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round)

Pre-match talk

Speaking after Saturday’s victory at Oswestry, Widnes joint manager Pritchard stated that Alsager’s defeat at Winsford was a blip, and they’ll prove to be very tough opposition for the hosts.

He said: “I don’t think that result will make a difference. Their focus is going to be predominantly on the league, and the Cup is there to provide the romance and a bit of glory in the short-term.

“We won’t pay attention to that result, they’ll be strong and will pass the ball around well. They’ve got very good players and a young manager who is very experienced in football.

“I’m sure it’ll be a very tough game as every game in this division turns out to be.”