By Ethan Hoijord

Vauxhall Motors were narrowly beaten 2-1 at Widnes on Easter Monday as Good Friday’s brace scoring talisman Kevin Ellison started from the bench.

Forwards Bisensio Kamilo and Jordan Deer came into the starting eleven for the game at The DCBL Halton Stadium and it was hoped that The Motormen would play with a greater attacking intent.

However, Widnes remained on top, after Vauxhall defender Bobby Beaumont levelled the tie before the break, and substitute Will Jones netted the winning strike for the hosts in the 75th minute.

Widnes made a fast start to the tie as midfielder Steven Irwin struck a volley just wide, inside the opening few minutes, on the edge of the box.

However, Vauxhall would soon create opportunities of their own as striker Bobbie McDonnell came close with a header that flashed past goalkeeper Cameron Terry’s post.

Motors forward Connor Rankin got himself into a brilliant position to open the scoring as he beat Terry to the ball but the shot-stopper got back up to claim the cross as Rankin’s shooting angle narrowed.

Vauxhall were getting into some good areas but were lacking the final, penetrative pass as they went forwards and Widnes made them pay as they went into the lead in the 35th minute with a sweetly struck free kick by Olly Wright.

However, it wouldn’t take too long for The Motormen to level the scoreline as Bobby Beaumont headed in a Jordan Deer corner, at the back post.

Michael Ellison’s side nearly went into the break in the lead but Vauxhall goalkeeper Jack Atkinson managed to redeem himself, saving a penalty following on from his kick that went astray which caused danger in the visitors defensive third.

There were few chances created in the second half but Atkinson was tested by a low shot from Wright and a glancing header from Will Jones, who had come on at the break, before Jones’ strike sailed into the top corner in the 75th minute.

Kevin Ellison replaced Bobbie McDonnell in the 70th minute but the experienced striker failed to make a great impact on the game as The Whites defended their lead well to ensure that they claimed all three point.

Vauxhall are back in action on Saturday afternoon as they play host to Trafford whilst Widnes travel to Kidsgrove Athletic.

VAUXHALL MOTORS FC, managed by Danny Holmes: Jack Atkinson, Bobby Beaumont, Lewis Sinnott, Toby Jones, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Jordan Wynne, Bisensio Kamilo (57′), Sean Moscrop (81′), Connor Rankin, Bobbie McDonnell (71′), Jordan Deer. SUBS: Adam Hughes, George Nugent (81′), Joe Brandon (57′), Ethan Gouldbourne, Kevin Ellison (71′).

‪WIDNES FC, managed by Michael Ellison: Cameron Terry, Brendan O’Brien (83′), Matty Rain, Niall Battersby (88′), Jack Byrne, Louis Isherwood (46′), Steven Irwin, Fisnik Hajdari, Jack McGowan, Olly Wright, Ste Milne. SUBS: Will Bell (83′), Sean Miller (88′), Joshua High, Kingsley Adu-Gyamfi, Will Jones (46′).

Referee: Andrew Daniels
Attendance: 168