REPORT | Widnes 0-2 Southport

Whites beaten in pre-season opener

Two goals in two first-half minutes condemned Widnes to defeat in their pre-season curtain-raiser at home to Southport.

Kieran Glynn and Brad Bauress netted first half strikes for the Sandgrounders as Widnes were beaten in their first piece of action ahead of the upcoming BetVictor Northern Premier League season.

Joint bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey named virtually two different sides either side of half-time, with only George Webster, Ben Hodkinson and Tom Croughan to keep their place after the break.

Debuts were handed to Lewis Buckley who led the Widnes frontline, while Jake Phillips, Danny Shaw and James Steele all made their first appearances for the Whites off the bench.

Widnes’ preparations continue on Tuesday as the Whites face Rylands at JMO Sports Park before jetting off to The Isle of Man next Saturday for a clash with an IOMFA Select XI.

Widnes first half line-up: Hancocks, Roberts, Doran, Grogan, Herbert, Burke, Webster, Ventre, Buckley, Hodkinson, Croughan

Widnes second half line-up: Wheeler, Phillips, Shaw, Mooney, Holden, Steele, Brazel, Webster, Hodkinson, Towey, Croughan