Connell grabbed the headlines as Widnes brushed past Thatto Heath

Widnes made light work of their cup clash against St Helens based Thatto Heath Crusaders. Young Full-back Nathan Connell impressed throughout the 76-0 victory, putting a solid marker down as to why he should be the number one Full-back at the club.

The most pleasing element for Allan Coleman was keeping the hosts scoreless, with Thatto Heath only making one clean line break. The Vikings have faced criticism in recent weeks over their defensive efforts but this week was very different.

Colemans men showed their ability to be ruthless ball in hand with 8 different players crossing the try line with Mike Butt bagging a hat-trick.

Player Ratings

Nathan Connell – 9

Took his opportunity with both hands. Showed his cut out passing ability to assist tries, whilst demonstrating his threat in broken field. He looked solid under the high ball and has given Allan Coleman a decision to make on whether to spend funds elsewhere in the transfer market.

Mike Butt – 8

Secured a hat-trick of tries and showed his ability to finish in tight spaces. The Widnes right side looked fluent and Butt was on hand to finish what was provided.

Jack Owens – 8

Drifted in and out the game, but was a key cog in the right side causing chaos all afternoon. His Full-back instincts kicked in, supporting line breaks and helped himself to a try off the back of it. His relationship with Connell in attack is something to watch out for.

Joe Edge – 7

Made yardage with ease winning his front on several occasions. His ability to cut through the line helped Widnes increase the speed of the game. He powered over for a try but his Winger Ryan Ince was fed little ball from the Centre an area to improve on for next week.

Ryan Ince – 6

The prolific Winger helped himself to a try, however seemed to lack confidence in taking the opposition on the outside. He carried well and looked solid under the high ball. The feeling is their is more to come from Ince after recovering from a long term injury.

Joe Lyons – 6

Showed some good touches in attack contributing to the Vikings onslaught, however seemed to drift out the game for periods. More confidence and flair is needed to be on display in games like today to keep a starting position.

Jordan Abdull – 8

Was the dominant Half-back throughout the game marshalling his troops into position. He fired passes throughout, sending players through the line on many occasions. His kicking game ball in hand is a threat for opponents, however his kicking from the tee was suspect at times, but we will let him off with that.

Dan Murray – 7

Set the tempo early but the game was one for the backs. Mr consistent set the platform and took the sting out of Thatto Heaths enthusiasm quickly. He made an uncharacteristic ball handling error, but was solid throughout making metres and restricting the hosts metre making.

Jordan Johnstone – 8

Dictated the early stages feeding his forwards onto the ball. He was instrumental in grinding down the spirit of Thatto Heath early doors and looked a threat ball in hand. His switch to Loose Forward was timed to perfection as the game was breaking up for Matty Fozard to take over the reins to run riot.

Jay Chapelhow – 8

The best middle on the pitch for Widnes throughout the game. He looked in great shape physically and made yards in abundance. The Prop opened the scoring staying alert to a Nathan Connell inside pass and looked a much improved player since his last stint with Widnes.

Sam Wilde – 7

The Back-row helped himself to two tries in the game and put in a much improved performance compared to last week. Sam looked threatening all day ball in hand, running strong lines throughout the game. There is more to come from Sam moving forward and you get the feeling he hasn’t quite hit his straps yet.

Danny Langtree – 6

It was great to see Danny back in action after an injury hit few seasons. He has a point to prove and put in a solid performance doing the basics well. Much needed minutes was put in his legs and his defence was solid throughout. His dummy runs created space for the backs outside him and will no doubt improve as the season moves forward.

Nick Gregson – 6

Was first receiver in a lot of the Vikings attacking plays creating space and time for Jordan Abdull in particular, despite this his role was minimalistic and it would be nice to see him back himself taking on the line more in attack. In tighter games in the future a bigger contribution in yardage carries is a must.

Matty Fozard – 8

His introduction to the game was timed perfectly. His running threat from behind the play the ball dictated the tempo of the game and got Widnes marching down the field. The team fed off the space he created and helped himself to two tries.

Morgan McWhirter – 7

A different style of forward compared to the rest at Widnes. He threatened line breaks all afternoon, but it would be nice to see more of his offloading game we know he has.

Kieran Taylor – 6

Carried well, but wasn’t on the field long enough to make an impression. He is a player that will need to impress when given opportunities if he is to break into the first team.

Jack Houghton – 7

It is just about a 7 for Jack. He came off the bench and carried with venom. He looked like a player with a point to prove but was guilty of over trying, leading to a couple of ball handling errors. If his errors are fixed up his style of play and intent could turn him into a fans favourite.