Widnes picked up their first win of the new season as Matt Sargent’s stunning strike secured a 1-0 victory over Mossley at the DCBL Stadium.

Salford City loanee Sargent’s thunderous drive proved to be the difference between the two sides in a game of few chances as the Whites climbed to 15th in the Northern Premier League North/West.

Co-bosses Steve Akrigg and Kev Towey made one change to the side that drew at Trafford last time out, with Reece McNally making his full debut at left-back as he came in for the injured Jack Hatton.

It was a sluggish start from Widnes and they survived an early scare when Jay Roberts’ pass was intercepted in his own area by Jes Uchegabulem, but the Mossley man squandered his effort, blazing over.

But the Whites responded well and came within inches of an opener when Kingsley Williams picked out Kyle Sambor, but his effort crashed back off the crossbar after he cut inside of Declan Evans.

In truth, Widnes always looked the more dangerous side going forward and a crucial challenge from Sam Kilner denied Ryan Jennings a simple tap-in from Sargent’s cutback as the hosts pushed for an opener.

Uchegabulem continually looked lively for David Fish’s visitors but his side were ultimately stifled by a stoic Widnes backline marshalled by skipper Mike Burke, limiting Mossley to half-chances, usually from outside the area.

The best chance of the half fell to Widnes after 34 minutes. Sambor did exceptionally well to hold the ball up and combine with Steele who quickly set the frontman on his way.

Sambor advanced forward and his shot on goal with the outside of his boot looked to be creeping in but Mossley keeper Liam Lovell made a superb diving save down to his right.

Widnes keeper Cameron Terry was largely a spectator in the first half apart from a relatively simple save to keep out Jordan Butterworth’s stinging free kick.

Less than six minutes had elapsed in the second half when Widnes edged themselves in front in spectacular style.

McNally’s throw-in was collected by Sargent in space and he did the rest, letting fly with an effort that nearly burst the net as it sailed beyond the outstretched Lovell and into the top corner. What a way to score your first senior goal!

Mossley probed in search of an equaliser but they had Kilner to thank for an important block to prevent Jordan Southworth from extending Widnes’ lead after good work by Steele in the build-up.

The Lilywhites were almost gifted an equaliser 15 minutes from time when Terry mis-timed a punch sending a loose ball into the air, but skipper Burke was determined to nod it behind and away to safety before any Mossley man could capitalise.

Fish’s men squandered their best chance for an equaliser after 88 minutes when Danny McLaughlin could only direct a header straight at Terry from 10 yards out.

Mossley did have the ball in the net inside second half stoppage time but it was chalked off for offside against Kane Hickman as Widnes held on for an important three points.

Widnes: Terry, Roberts, McNally, Williams (Hajdari 71), Burke, Hampson, Southworth, Sargent, Sambor, Steele (Adetiloye 90+3), Jennings (Conlon 65)