NPL West table toppers Widnes kick-off 2025 in familiar surroundings albeit on the road against City of Liverpool on New Year's Day (kick-off 3:00pm).

This fixture carries the distinction of being a designated away match played at the DCBL Stadium, with the Purps currently in their first of a two year tenancy in Cheshire.

Playing at home away from home represents the perfect opportunity for Michael Ellison's team to bounce back after suffering a first defeat since mid-October on Boxing Day.

Widnes went down 2-1 at home to Vauxhall Motors, seeing their lead at the top of the league cut to three points ahead of Congleton Town and the Motormen.

The Widnes boss has challenged his players to react positively and the Whites will be going in search of a ninth win in 12 at the DCBL thus far this season.

The Opposition

City of Liverpool are managerless and 16 points from safety at the foot of the NPL West.

Kevin Lynch was sacked on Boxing Day after just 50 days in charge following his side's 5-1 defeat away at Congleton.

Senior players Simon Wills and Andy Owens have taken temporary charge of the Purps and any incoming boss will need to arrest a winless home record, with Lynch and his predecessor Paul McNally combining for just four points out of a possible 36 at the DCBL this campaign.

The Purps are fighting for their lives, however, and in former Widnes pair Callum Schorah and Arthur Lomax-Jones will always carry a dangerous threat.

Previous Meetings

This is the 17th competitive meetings between the two sides, stretching back to October 2016.

Widnes won on that occasion, 2-1, with goals from Kev Towey and George Lomax under the management of Joey Dunn.

The Whites won the previous meeting back in August too, with goals from former Purp James Steele and Niall Battersby sealing a 2-0 win.

But City of Liverpool do edge the overall record, with seven wins to Widnes' five, with four further draws.

Matchday Information

Wednesday’s clash at the DCBL Stadium is a 3:00pm kick-off. Admission is priced at £12 adults, £6 concessions and £2 under-16s on the gate via cash or card.

Supporters can pre-purchase tickets in advance and save on their admission price.

Tickets are available for purchase at the following LINK, while supporters are encouraged to have their ticket confirmation ready to be scanned before entering through the turnstiles.

As is currently the case with our home fixtures, no unaccompanied U16s will be admitted into the stadium.

Social media coverage will as always take place on our official channels – X @Widnes_FC and Instagram - @widnesfc