Widnes' mixed start to the season continued this week following a disappointing 3-0 BetVictor North West Division defeat Prescot Cables at Tuesday evening.

The Whites lost out to top-of-the-table Workington at the weekend and now find themselves three points above the relegation zone after their first seven games of the campaign.

Management duo Kev Towey and Steve Akrigg will be looking for a quick turnaround in form - starting this weekend at Ossett United in the FA Trophy - to achieve their pre-season targets.

"There's no bones about it," Towey said. "I said prior to the season we wanted to push towards the play-offs and be in and around them.

"We fell short last season and did not meet the objectives. We have to go and do it (this year).

"We are better equipped. We are more experienced at this level and have seen how you've got to conduct yourself. You've got to think quickly and everything has to be better. We're starting to get that way."

Widnes have been handed a difficult opening with six of their first seven league games played away from home.

They are rewarded with three of four fixtures currently scheduled for the Halton Stadium as well as six of their final eight games also set to be staged at home.