Michael Ellison says Widnes go into their clash with 1874 Northwich confident despite their preparations being hampered.
The Whites ran out 4-0 winners against Mossley after James Steele (2), Olly Wright and Ste Milne to keep with the playoff-chasing pack.
They moved to within five points of Chasetown, who occupy the final playoff position, but their convincing win ended a run of two league games without a win. Following their 3-0 defeat at Hednesford, Ellison believes it was the right response after their “unacceptable” defeat to the Pitmen.
“It was a strange game because we probably played better in games and not come away with a draw when we should’ve got three points. We watched the Hednesford game back, it was unacceptable and the lads deserve credit,” he told Off The Park.
“It was a game we felt we had to win and they delivered. We went back to basics, resolute in defence, Mossley started well and had majority of possession but we stood tall and reduced them to half-chances and came in 2-0 up. We done the hard work in the first-half and we played well in the second so it was a good response, one that was much-needed, one that everyone deserved.
“Scoring goals has been tough, it’s been a problem for a while, it’s hard when your best forwards are injured,” he added. “We’ve missed (Jack) McGowan, he was just starting to hit form and getting himself match-fit, there’s been different reasons that have contributed to it but the four goals were really good. In games at this level, we have had chances but if you can take them and go in front, there’s a very good chance you go on to win the game.”
1874 Northwich are at the foot of the Northern Premier League West after 23 games, as they sit on 16 points. Despite their difficult run, Ellison believes their opponents’ luck will turn and Widnes have to be firing to avoid defeat.
He said: “1874 are in a tough position but they’re bringing in lads after losing some, so it’ll be difficult to gauge how they’re going to play. But at some point, they will pick up points and we just hope that’s not on Saturday.
“We’ve got to focus on ourselves, concentrate on what we done well from Mossley, build on that, and we’re looking forward to it. It was disappointing not to play the game against City of Liverpool, that was a real six-pointer with teams in that middle block but we go into Saturday confident.”
