George Hassall smashed home a last-minute winner to boost Widnes’ survival hopes away at rivals Prescot Cables.
The stoppage-time effort was the difference in a fiercely contested affair as the Whites go to within three points of Colne – who sit outside the drop zone.
It was a disappointing evening for Steve Daley as he made his bow in the Cables dugout.
During an even yet uneventful first half, the visitors had the clearest opportunity as Will Jones forced a fine save from Mitch Allen with a glancing header.
Cables did hit back with an effort of their own but John Murphy’s header looped over.
REACTION: Michael Ellison makes Prescot Cables admission after George Hassall sealed ‘deserved’ Widnes win
Connor McCarthy squandered an effort from 12 yards in the second-half after Jones found himself unmarked on the six-yard box.
Allen was on hand again to maintain parity after Kai Shorrock beat two men before cutting back to Stephen Rigby. The attacker powered an effort goalwards but the Cables ‘keeper pushed the danger away.
The hosts best opening came after Jack Byrne misjudged a through ball, James Hammill raced through but didn’t trouble Cameron Terry as he fired his effort across the face of goal.
With the game heading towards a stalemate, it was jubilant scenes from the visiting bench as Michael Ellison’s side claimed the points. McCarthy’s scooped effort forced Allen to claw the effort out of the bottom corner but Hassall was on hand to fire into the roof of the net.
Match Stats:
Prescot Cables 0-1 Widnes
Goals: 90+’ George Hassall
HT/FT Score: 0-0/0-1
