By Ethan Hoijord
Vauxhall return to action on Easter Monday as Danny Holmes’ Motormen travel to Play-Off chasing Widnes.
They will travel the narrow distance, remaining in Cheshire, in good spirits, following a resilient home victory against Kidsgrove Athletic on Good Friday.
The new, but vastly experienced, 45-year-old talisman, Kevin Ellison received great applause when he was substituted in the 72nd minute, having bagged a brace.
Striker Connor Rankin added the third, just after half time, but the ending was nervy as goalkeeper Jack Atkinson was called upon to ensure all three points were kept in The Port.
Holmes sung the praises of his men after the game as he said “I know what Kevin Ellison can bring, having played against him a lot and he’s shown composure and great movement to score his two goals” before adding that “Following on from the away trip to Hednesford Town, goalkeeper Jack Atkinson has looked terrific”.
Widnes beat Hanley Town 1-0 on Good Friday and with the Play-Off position’s in sight, they will provide a strong test at the DCBL Stadium.
All support is greatly appreciated, thus we look forward to seeing you on the road!
Widnes FC Factfile:
Nickname: The Whites.
Founded: 2003 as The Dragons AFC – a local junior club which was awarded the FA Charter Standard Development award for its continuous development of grassroots football, in 2008.
Playing colours: White and Black (H) Yellow (A).
Ground: DCBL Stadium. Widnes have been playing at their 13,350 capacity venue since 2012 ahead of their debut season in the West Cheshire League. The stadium also hosts Widnes Vikings of the Rugby League BetFred Championship.
Postcode: WA8 7DZ.
Record home attendance: 603 v Macclesfield in January 2023.
Manager: Michael Ellison. The former Runcorn Linnets and City of Liverpool boss took over from David Dempsey in September 2022.
Top goalscorer: Forward James Steele has scored 15 goals in 38 games this campaign. However, Widnes’ danger men may prove to be Jack McGowan and Sean Miller as they have netted ten and nine this season, respectively.
Last season: 17th.
Table standing: 8th. Widnes have claimed 48 points from their 33 games this campaign. Following their narrow win away at Hanley Town on Friday afternoon, they remain five points off fifth placed City of Liverpool.
Form: Widnes have drawn one and won three of their last six games, claiming ten points.
Last meeting: 26th December 2023 – VMFC 2 Widnes 3. Winger Sean Miller won the game for the visitors, from a penalty in the 93rd minute after former Vauxhall captain Thomas Mitchell had levelled the tie up in the 90th.
Honours: Widnes were crowned Champions of the North West Counties League Division One in 2017 before winning the NWCL League Cup the year after, whilst also finishing as runners-up of the NWCL Premier Division.