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Widnes FC-Atherton Collieries Match Preview
Widnes Football Club9 Jan 2015 - 18:02
For the first time this season, Widnes FC are presented with the opportunity to record three consecutive victories
.... as they welcome second-placed Atherton Collieries to the Select Security Stadium.
The home side have beaten Eccleshall and Irlam in their previous two outings, to the tune of scoring 8 times and conceding just twice. Striker Graham Molloy has netted a brace in both of those games and he comes into this fixture looking to improve on his tally of five goals in his previous three appearances.
Atherton Colls come into this game in a two-horse race for the division one title alongside Cammell Laird. Colls sit second, a point behind Lairds with three games in-hand. Michael Clegg’s side have lost just once also season, and had won every game this season up until that defeat at Northwich Flixton Villa.
These two sides last met back in August, with Colls coming out on top on that day 3-0 at Alder House. Widnes will have to contend with the away side’s prolific attack, as Atherton have scored 75 league goals this season, whilst conceding just 12. Mark Battersby has the bulk of those goals, having scored a remarkable 34 times this season.
Neither side can really afford any slip-ups at this point, especially Widnes who are pushing for a playoff spot. A defeat could see the hosts freefall down the table from 8th to 14th, if all results go against them.
Team News
There are no new injury concerns for Widnes, as they look to be at full-strength for the visit of the league title contenders. Alex Davies is now back in training for the Whites but is still not ready to return to the side after two months out with an ankle injury.
Widnes could be boosted with the return to action of Lee Hughes, who has been missing from action since mid-October through injury. Paul Carney could also be in contention for a recall after missing out last week while midfielder Liam Barnett is in-line to make his second appearance for the club after making his debut off the bench last time out.
Jamil Campbell-Joseph is expected to partner in-form Molloy up top again after scoring his first league goal for the club in the win over Irlam. Manager Steve Hill could very well field an unchanged line-up from the 3-2 win last Saturday.
Final Thoughts
Manager Hill is looking forward to the encounter and he believes that the game will be massively tough. ““They’re not where they are without a reason, they don’t like to concede many goals. If we do get anything, I know we’ll have to work very hard for it. I’m made up to get this game, and look forward to that one with anticipation and without fear.”
The game isn’t necessarily a must-win for Widnes, but it is a game that could potentially put a massive dent into their playoff push and kill all momentum built up over the past couple of weeks. The visitors will prove to be Widnes’ toughest opposition of the season; however, Widnes can enter the game with the belief that they can win the game, as the hosts have beaten clubs such as St. Helens Town and Prescot Cables at home thus far this season, as well as giving Skelmersdale United an almighty scare in a Liverpool Senior Cup tie.
Match Preview by Callum Chadwick
The home side have beaten Eccleshall and Irlam in their previous two outings, to the tune of scoring 8 times and conceding just twice. Striker Graham Molloy has netted a brace in both of those games and he comes into this fixture looking to improve on his tally of five goals in his previous three appearances.
Atherton Colls come into this game in a two-horse race for the division one title alongside Cammell Laird. Colls sit second, a point behind Lairds with three games in-hand. Michael Clegg’s side have lost just once also season, and had won every game this season up until that defeat at Northwich Flixton Villa.
These two sides last met back in August, with Colls coming out on top on that day 3-0 at Alder House. Widnes will have to contend with the away side’s prolific attack, as Atherton have scored 75 league goals this season, whilst conceding just 12. Mark Battersby has the bulk of those goals, having scored a remarkable 34 times this season.
Neither side can really afford any slip-ups at this point, especially Widnes who are pushing for a playoff spot. A defeat could see the hosts freefall down the table from 8th to 14th, if all results go against them.
Team News
There are no new injury concerns for Widnes, as they look to be at full-strength for the visit of the league title contenders. Alex Davies is now back in training for the Whites but is still not ready to return to the side after two months out with an ankle injury.
Widnes could be boosted with the return to action of Lee Hughes, who has been missing from action since mid-October through injury. Paul Carney could also be in contention for a recall after missing out last week while midfielder Liam Barnett is in-line to make his second appearance for the club after making his debut off the bench last time out.
Jamil Campbell-Joseph is expected to partner in-form Molloy up top again after scoring his first league goal for the club in the win over Irlam. Manager Steve Hill could very well field an unchanged line-up from the 3-2 win last Saturday.
Final Thoughts
Manager Hill is looking forward to the encounter and he believes that the game will be massively tough. ““They’re not where they are without a reason, they don’t like to concede many goals. If we do get anything, I know we’ll have to work very hard for it. I’m made up to get this game, and look forward to that one with anticipation and without fear.”
The game isn’t necessarily a must-win for Widnes, but it is a game that could potentially put a massive dent into their playoff push and kill all momentum built up over the past couple of weeks. The visitors will prove to be Widnes’ toughest opposition of the season; however, Widnes can enter the game with the belief that they can win the game, as the hosts have beaten clubs such as St. Helens Town and Prescot Cables at home thus far this season, as well as giving Skelmersdale United an almighty scare in a Liverpool Senior Cup tie.
Match Preview by Callum Chadwick
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