Back
Widnes FC-Northwich FV Match Preview Sponsored by Howdens Joinery Co
Widnes Football Club27 Feb 2015 - 16:56
After recording an impressive 4-0 victory over promotion chasing Daisy Hill at New Sirs last time out,
Widnes FC return to action as they welcome Northwich Flixton Villa to the Select Security Stadium as begin a run of five home games in their next six league fixtures.
Widnes come into the game with extra incentive, as they were on the receiving end of a 10-1 beating against Flixton Villa back in December, where the under strength visitors who lacked a goalkeeper on the day, succumbed to the impressive fire attack of Martin Rushe’s side. Having won their latest game 4-0 at Daisy Hill, the home side will come into the game with a renowned sense of confidence.
Since their 10-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Valley Road, Villa have failed to win any of their previous six games in all competitions, losing 1-0 at home to Cammell Laird in their last game two weeks ago. The visitors come into the game in 14th place, two points behind Widnes having played two games less.
Both teams are rank outsiders to make the playoffs, which is still mathematically possible for both sides considering that only nine points separate Northwich down in 14th to Daisy Hill, who occupy the last playoff spot in 6th with 38 points.
Team News
Goalkeeper David Nevitt is set to return to the Widnes side after missing last week’s win at Daisy Hill. Fellow keeper Rob Cork can count himself unlucky to lose his place to the returning Nevitt, as Cork has played well in relief of the regular no.1 in recent weeks, racking up a string of impressive performances.
Liam Barnett should return to the squad after being left out of the 16 man contingent that travelled to New Sirs. Bradley Williams and Jamil Campbell-Joseph could also feature in manager Steve Hill’s plans. The duo haven’t played for Widnes since the 3-2 win over Irlam in the hosts’ first game of 2015.
James Ludgate and Matty Lennon are in contention to regain their places in the starting lineup after starting on the bench at Daisy Hill last week. Alex Davies’ man of the match performance last week could tempt Hill to reshuffle his eleven, with Davies’ versatility providing an opportunity for rotation.
Widnes striker Graham Molloy is very much the man in-form for the home side, having scored seven goals in his previous six games. Molloy’s goal in the win over Daisy Hill last time out was his tenth goal of the season in all competitions.
Former Widnes man Daniel Burns could feature for Northwich, after leaving for the Greater Manchester outfit in mid-January. Burns found the net once this season for Widnes, making nine appearances in the process.
Final Thoughts
In recent weeks, Widnes have played with more energy and pace going forward, which has been aided with the arrivals of Mikey Swindell and Sam Coulter, who have been instrumental in the side’s change of fortunes according to Hill. “The lads we’ve brought in, when combined with the players we already have in the side, the enthusiasm and energy we have is excellent. It gives us an extra dimension going forward which improves our offensive game.”
This game marks Widnes transition into the latter stages of the season, where every game must be treated as a cup final if the hosts are to push on and finish as high as possible in the table. Widnes will see this as a very winnable fixture. The memories of the 10-1 disaster could work into the home team’s hands, as it could act as extra motivation to inflict a sense of revenge on the visitors.
Match Preview by Callum Chadwick
Widnes come into the game with extra incentive, as they were on the receiving end of a 10-1 beating against Flixton Villa back in December, where the under strength visitors who lacked a goalkeeper on the day, succumbed to the impressive fire attack of Martin Rushe’s side. Having won their latest game 4-0 at Daisy Hill, the home side will come into the game with a renowned sense of confidence.
Since their 10-1 victory in the reverse fixture at Valley Road, Villa have failed to win any of their previous six games in all competitions, losing 1-0 at home to Cammell Laird in their last game two weeks ago. The visitors come into the game in 14th place, two points behind Widnes having played two games less.
Both teams are rank outsiders to make the playoffs, which is still mathematically possible for both sides considering that only nine points separate Northwich down in 14th to Daisy Hill, who occupy the last playoff spot in 6th with 38 points.
Team News
Goalkeeper David Nevitt is set to return to the Widnes side after missing last week’s win at Daisy Hill. Fellow keeper Rob Cork can count himself unlucky to lose his place to the returning Nevitt, as Cork has played well in relief of the regular no.1 in recent weeks, racking up a string of impressive performances.
Liam Barnett should return to the squad after being left out of the 16 man contingent that travelled to New Sirs. Bradley Williams and Jamil Campbell-Joseph could also feature in manager Steve Hill’s plans. The duo haven’t played for Widnes since the 3-2 win over Irlam in the hosts’ first game of 2015.
James Ludgate and Matty Lennon are in contention to regain their places in the starting lineup after starting on the bench at Daisy Hill last week. Alex Davies’ man of the match performance last week could tempt Hill to reshuffle his eleven, with Davies’ versatility providing an opportunity for rotation.
Widnes striker Graham Molloy is very much the man in-form for the home side, having scored seven goals in his previous six games. Molloy’s goal in the win over Daisy Hill last time out was his tenth goal of the season in all competitions.
Former Widnes man Daniel Burns could feature for Northwich, after leaving for the Greater Manchester outfit in mid-January. Burns found the net once this season for Widnes, making nine appearances in the process.
Final Thoughts
In recent weeks, Widnes have played with more energy and pace going forward, which has been aided with the arrivals of Mikey Swindell and Sam Coulter, who have been instrumental in the side’s change of fortunes according to Hill. “The lads we’ve brought in, when combined with the players we already have in the side, the enthusiasm and energy we have is excellent. It gives us an extra dimension going forward which improves our offensive game.”
This game marks Widnes transition into the latter stages of the season, where every game must be treated as a cup final if the hosts are to push on and finish as high as possible in the table. Widnes will see this as a very winnable fixture. The memories of the 10-1 disaster could work into the home team’s hands, as it could act as extra motivation to inflict a sense of revenge on the visitors.
Match Preview by Callum Chadwick
Further reading