Widnes showed why they’re the title favourites in a 0-4 away triumph at The Vestacare last night, this being the heaviest defeat of the season for The Ro. Although the scoreline isn’t reflective of the effort and challenge Avro put into the game, it’s still a disappointing defeat for David Birch and Mike Norton.
It was a full home debut for both Brandon Barker and Malakai McKenzie who were both named in the starting line-up. New recruit Sheriff Njie also had the chance of making a home debut with him being named on the bench.
Widnes started the game well and presented Avro with some early challenges. They won a corner within the first minute of the game, but this was cleared at the near post by Avro captain, Jake Cottrell.
The first chance of the evening for Avro came for Harry Bunn in the 12th minute of the game. The ball fell well for him at the edge of the box, but his strike failed to trouble Halstead as it sailed just wide of the post.
Widnes found themselves ahead in the 32nd minute of the game. A ball into the box was met well by Louis Isherwood and his header found its way into the net to put Widnes ahead. This was how it remained for the rest of the half and Avro had work to do in the second half as they trailed 0-1 at the break.
The visitors started the second half with intent and created chances from the off. Kingsley Williams and Jack McGowan both had efforts on target, and both were equally met by Grant Shenton who made two strong saves to keep Avro in the game. David Birch and Mike Norton made three changes in response to this. Brandon Barker, Kane Hickman and Benito Lowe were replaced by Liam Ellis, Sam Davidson and Sheriff Njie.
The challenge for The Ro got harder in the 72nd minute when, after a foul in the box, Widnes were awarded a penalty. This was converted by Jack McGowan to put Widnes 0-2 ahead with just 20 minutes left of the game.
Just 5 minutes later Avro were awarded a penalty of their own and a great chance to get back into the game. Jake Cottrell stepped up to take but saw his effort in the bottom corner saved by Halstead. This was reflective of how the evening went for Avro. It got worse for Jake Cottrell soon after as, after receiving a second yellow card, he was dismissed, and Avro were down to 10.
In the final 5 minutes of the game, Widnes continued to apply the pressure and took the game away from Avro. Late goals from Harry McGee and Renato Gomes put Widnes 0-4 ahead. This sealed the perfect response for Widnes who failed to win any of their previous 3 league fixtures, and they remain in firm grasp of the title.
Next up for Avro is another league fixture at The Vestacare as we begin the penultimate month of the campaign as we host Clitheroe looking to respond to a disappointing evening.
