Jordan Southworth netted his first goal for the club, but Widnes were forced to settle for a point at Trafford on Saturday.

Southworth struck to give the Whites a half time lead, but Trafford fought back and Matty Barlow levelled early in the second half to earn a point.

Both teams pushed for a winner and each struck the woodwork but there was little two separate the two sides following a well-contested contest.

Widnes co-bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey made one change to the side beaten by Colne in the FA Trophy but did name four potential debutants in the matchday squad.

New addition Ben Hampson – signed from Ramsbottom United – made his full debut in the heart of the Widnes defence in place of Alex McQuade who will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Elsewhere, Salford City loanee Matt Sargent, midfielder Sam Adetiloye and defender Reece McNally were named amongst the substitutes after they joined the club in midweek.

Widnes initially struggled to adapt to the long and slick playing surface at Shawe View and almost fell behind after six minutes but Jay Roberts reacted quickly to clear Ryan Neild’s header off the line.

But the Whites responded well and James Steele thought he had fired the visitors in front but Adam Rooney scrambled the seemingly goalbound effort away to safety.

Southworth and Hampson went close in the ensuing minutes as Widnes took control of the contest, and they found a breakthrough after 16 minutes.

Kyle Sambor provided a clever backheel to spring Southworth into space and the former Prescot Cables took advantage as he rifled an effort inside of the near post to notch his side in front.

Widnes were in the ascendancy and skipper Mike Burke was unfortunate to miss the target with a header moments later, while Ryan Jennings would fire narrowly wide on the half-hour mark.

The Whites would end the half on top and Jennings would again go close as he flashed a shot across the face of goal after good work by the lively Sambor in the build-up.

Akrigg and Towey’s side would have been encouraged by a positive first half display but Trafford equalised eight minutes into the second period when Barlow would head home after Cameron Terry had made an initial save from Max Hazeldine.

Widnes had lost their rhythm and further punishment almost came through Matty Morgan, but he could only fire off target after Trafford had fashioned a decent opening.

Co-bosses Akrigg and Towey sought to change the pattern of the contest with Mikey Conlon and the debuting Sargent introduced from the bench, while Daley Woods was also brought on to provide a further focal point up top.

And Sargent almost marked his debut with a goal as the youngster on loan from League Two Salford struck the post nine minutes from time before Kingsley Williams stung the gloves of Matt Cooper on the rebound.

But Trafford would respond and came mightily close to a winner when Morgan rattled the bar with keeper Terry almost certainly beaten.

Widnes would end the game with 10-men when left-back Jack Hatton limped off with injury, but the visitors could have won it in second half stoppage time but striker Sambor showed a hint of indecisiveness as he found himself through on goal allowing Oli Roberts to make a point-saving tackle for Trafford.