A brace from winger Luke Edwards rescued a point for Widnes as they began their 2015/16 away campaign with a 2-2 draw at Stockport Town. The NWCFL newcomers twice lead against Steve Hill’s side, who will feel that they deserved to come away from the game with a more than just a point.

After kicking-off the season with a 3-2 home defeat against Ashton Town, Widnes travelled to Stockport looking to spoil the party, as Hill’s side were the visitors in Town’s first-ever competitive home fixture. Calum Skyes’ side came into the game on a high after winning 3-2 at last season’s beaten playoff finalists Hanley Town on the opening day of the season.

Widnes made three changes to the side that were beaten by Ashton. Danny Lomax came in for his first start of the season as George McGrogan dropped to the bench. Paul Carney also made his first start of the campaign, coming in for Robert Gilroy, whilst Luke Edwards made his competitive debut for the club, replacing Paul Hynes who was left out of the 16-man squad by manager Hill.

Town were eager to ensure the momentous occasion went without a hitch and the nerves were eased as they got off to a flier. Widnes were once again haunted by a slow start as theyagain conceded within the opening minute. The defence failed to properly deal with a ball in from the left that was fizzed back across the face of goal by Stockport’s Paul Naylor with Ben Connolly tapping the ball home at the back post to give his side the lead.

Had it not been for the offside flag, it would have been 2-0 within the opening 10 minutes. A quick free-kick caught Widnes napping as the ball was found its way to Town’s Matt German’s who found the net with his effort only to be adjudged offside.

It was clear early on that the two sides had contrasting styles. Stockport were very direct and physical in their attacking approach, asking questions of Widnes with their set-pieces. Meanwhile, Widnes were looking to keep possession of the ball and open up Town. The artificial pitch at the venue suited the visitors who were used to the surface, considering that the Select Security Stadium is home to a 4G playing surface.

Widnes’ approach played an important part in the equaliser which came shortly after the 10-minute mark. Excellent build-up play from the visitors saw a large number of passes completed before Danny Burthem sent a cross towards the back post where Luke Edwards beat keeper Joe Boyle with a superb header after peeling off of his marker to rise highest and equalise for Widnes.

They say you’re at your most vulnerable when you’ve just conceded and that statement proved true as Stockport went back in-front a mere 90 seconds after the restart. Again a set-piece from the hosts caused Widnes problems as defender Joseph Armstrong headed the delivery beyond keeper Gage Walsh to regain the lead for his side.

The opening 25 minutes saw a great game for a neutral on show. End to end stuff with two contrasting styles going head-to-head.

Widnes continued to look menacing going forward as an Alex Davies cross from the right was glanced wide by striker Josh Williams.
Town’s last clear-cut chance of the half came on the 30-minute mark as an Andrew Mottershead ball into the penalty area was only half-cleared by Widnes with the ball falling to Paul Naylor who volleyed over from just outside the area.

Halftime: Stockport Town 2-1 Widnes

The second half saw the pace of the game slow considerably in the earlier exchanges of the period, with Town becoming content to sit-back and invite pressure from the visitors before launching a counter-attack, testing Widnes’ resolve with set-pieces and a direct offensive attack.

Shortly before the hour-mark, Widnes decided to change things up. Manager Steve Hill withdrew midfielder Tom Hackett, who was on a yellow card and looked as though he could pick up another. George McGrogan came on for Hackett, with Danny Lomax sliding into midfield whilst McGrogan joined the back four.

Stockport threatened moments later. Town substitute Aaron Amesbury went on a superb individual run, weaving in and out of tackles before letting himself down with his finish, as his tame effort on goal was comfortably gathered by Widnes keeper Walsh.

Widnes equalised minutes afterwards. Another well-worked sequence of attacking build-up play from the visitors saw Alex Davies do well down the right before his cross into the area picked out Luke Edwards, who hammered the ball home on the half-volley to equalise for the visitors and find the back of the net for the second time in his competitive debut for the club.

Widnes were firmly on top following the goal. Skipper Tom Mitchell tried his luck from distance with a long-range effort that never troubled keeper Boyle before Jamil Campbell-Joseph turned away from his man and fired a shot on goal that should have worked the keeper, as Boyle did well to deny the effort from the Widnes striker.

With time running out, Widnes piled the pressure on as the game surpassed the 80-minute mark. Lomax was a revelation in midfield, winning tackles to minimize Stockport’s offensive threat whilst surging forward and bringing the forwards into play. Edwards fired a free-kick over the bar whilst Campbell-Joseph saw a shot deflected wide for a corner.

Josh Williams tried his luck from distance for the visitors with a shot that left Town keeper Boyle stranded with the ball fizzing wide of the target.

5 minutes from time, Stockport forward German flew into a crunching challenge on Paul Carney that could have been perceived as reckless. German was cautioned by referee David Chisnall before another referee could have given German his marching orders.

As the game approached stoppage time, Widnes had their best chance to pick up all three points. A Town attack broke down that allowed the visitors to surge forward on the counter-attack. Campbell-Joseph managed to beat the offside trap, presenting himself with a glorious opportunity to net the winner for his side. However, he wasted his effort, striking the ball straight at Boyle.

Fulltime: Stockport Town 2-2 Widnes

The fulltime whistle brought the curtain down on an entertaining 90 minutes of football at Stockport Sports Village. Widnes will feel that they should have won the game, considering their relentless pressure as time began to wind down.

Widnes are back in action on Monday (17th Aug) as Monday Night Football returns to the Select Security Stadium as Cheadle Town pay a visit in what should be a great game of football. 5 days later, Hill’s side travel to Stoke-on-Trent to face a strong Hanley Town side in what will prove to be a very difficult game for the Whites.

Stockport Town: Boyle, Mottershead, Kay (C), Graham (Bridge 76), Armstrong, Hopwood, Naylor, Scott, Sherriff (Amesbury 50), German, Connolly (Mills 74).

Subs not used: Parsonage, Johnson.

Widnes: Walsh, Lomax, Carney, Stanley, Mitchell (C), Burthem, Davies, Hackett (McGrogan 58), J. Williams, Campbell-Joseph, Edwards.

Subs not Used: G. Williams, Gilroy, Casson, Cork.