10-man Widnes returned to the summit of the NPL West with a goalless draw at home to Nantwich Town.

They had captain Steven Irwin sent off but the Whites will perhaps feel aggrieved that they didn’t earn all three points on this occasion.

Nantwich started the better of the two sides and went close early when Byron Harrison’s close range shot stung the gloves of Mark Halstead.

The visitors then argued that Widnes should have been reduced to 10 men when Harry McGee appeared to take a swipe at a prone Callum Saunders, but referee Adewunmi Soneye only brandished a yellow card.

Widnes were awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time when Paddy Kennedy mis-timed a challenge on James Steele in the area.

Sean Miller stepped up but rattled the top of the crossbar with his spot-kick – the third time he’s missed from 12 yards in the last four weeks.

Irwin was shown a second yellow card for a foul in midfield after 62 minutes but Widnes were the better side with 10.

They squandered perhaps their best chance when substitute Sharif Deans blazed over after good work by James Steele.

Garratt then denied the hosts with a remarkable double save, first saving a Steele header before brilliantly smothering Miller’s follow-up.

There was late drama when Matty Rain was clattered after taking a shot late in stoppage time, but there was nothing doing and 0-0 it remained.