Widnes left with plenty of work to do, as they scrape past struggling Workington

It was far from convincing but Widnes edged past Workington Town claiming a 22-10 victory, sending the Vikings up to 8th in the league table winning two from three league games so far.

Widnes entered the fixture heavy favourites following a spirited display in defeat against Leeds Rhinos the week before. Despite being high on confidence the Vikings struggled to reach the same level of intensity throughout the match.

Workington was stubborn and refused to go away, but Widnes was guilty of not putting the game to bed showing a lack of killer instinct in attack.

It has been a familiar story for Widnes in recent years not being able replicate form from the bigger games into more favourable fixtures.

Despite the Vikings struggles, Allan Colemans men never looked in danger of losing the game, but will need to raise their levels for Friday nights clash with Oldham if they are to come away with two more competition points.

Nathan Connell – 6

The youngster displayed some naiveties throughout the game making a couple of handling errors. He showed some clever Full-back play on his own line sweeping up short kicks, but got caught out on occasions positionally including getting trapped in the defensive line for Workington’s second try. He is a player still developing and will be better from the experiences.

Mike Butt – 6

Carried well throughout the game from back field, but the right side of the attack had a quiet afternoon. With Edge and Sambou waiting in the wings, Coleman will have some decisions to make for Friday night.

Jack Owens – 6

Similar to Mike Butt carried well and was solid throughout, but lacked regular ball and creativity close to the Workington try line. He has had a good start in the Centre this season and will be looking to return to that form Friday night.

Matt Fleming – 8

It was a timely performance by Matt scoring two tries and walked away with an assist. His first try he created an opportunity out of nothing and his second was great support play staying alert on the inside. It was his best performance in the Centre for quite some time and has staked a claim to retain his position Friday night.

Ryan Ince – 8

Was huge bringing the ball out from his own end of the field. He displayed his great finishing ability with his try and walked away with a try assist passing the ball back on the inside to Centre Matt Fleming. Week by week he is growing back to his best form and looks a player rediscovering his confidence, however he should of had a second if he had grounded a Jordan Abdull kick.

Jordan Abdull – 7

Created the opening for the first Widnes try batting off defenders. His kicking game again got Widnes on the front foot, controlling where the opposition started sets. His goal kicking was on point and his involvement in the last try was crucial putting the ball through hands on the short side.

Tom Gilmore – 6

A first game back from Tom and he was solid from first receiver. The experienced Half -back will only get better as time moves forward developing his on field relationship with Jordan Abdull. At times it looked like Widnes was playing with two Scrum Half’s, only time will tell whether Tom and Jordan will compliment each other or other combinations will be used.

Dan Murray – 7

Was dominant in the opening stages. The Vikings pack couldn’t be faulted for their efforts in the middle of the pitch dominating field position for large parts. His defence was as solid as ever on the whole although he will be disappointed in his tackle attempt when Zarrin Galea raced away for Workington’s opening try.

Jordan Johnstone – 7

Set the platform early on and his defence was as strong as ever. He brought his forwards onto the ball nicely taking out markers in the process. He was a big reason why the Widnes forward pack got on top so early on.

Jay Chapelhow – 7

Another consistent performance from Jay throughout the game. He complimented Murray well and was one of the leading chasers from Jordan Abdulls kicks throughout the game trapping Workington deep in their own half of the field. He looks to be a really smart signing by Allan Coleman.

Max Roberts – 6

Showed some good strength running onto a Matty Fozard short ball to score his try, however we need to see more from Max as the year progresses now he has a starting number. It is the first time he has a position to hold down and needs to show his quality in the absence of Danny Langtree and Sam Wilde.

Adam Lawton – 6

Demonstrated some tough defence and put a couple of big hits throughout the game. It was a balanced display by Adam, however dropped off his levels from last week against Leeds. He had a quiet afternoon ball in hand compared to last week but was key in the move that saw Matt Fleming claim his second try.

Lewis Hall – 6

Displayed his tough defence, however lacked involvement spreading the ball. With a new Half-back combination and a new Loose-forward at times the attack was clunky. To nail down number 13 a more well rounded performance is needed.

Matty Fozard – 7

Was lively as always coming off the bench and grabbed a try assist sending Max Roberts crashing over the line. His defence was solid and Widnes enjoyed there best spell of the game with both Johnstone and Fozard on the field. He made a great last minute read for the last try attacking the short side, putting the ball through hands before Ryan Ince touched down.

Morgan McWhirter – 5

It was only a cameo appearance this week for the Australian as he picked up a knock to the ribs. He looked full of energy off the bench but for me should of started the game at Loose-Forward.

Jack Bibby – 8

Was a much improved performance from the forward this week and his best performance of the season. He run the ball in with intent and was much more solid in defence. He was the best middle on the pitch this week for Widnes and a return to his form from last season will please Allan Coleman and strengthen options  in the middle of the field.

Jack Houghton – 6

He wasn’t as effective as the other middles on Sunday. He doesn’t lack effort but on the eye wasn’t making as many metres as the other Props. He hasn’t played as many minutes compared to other middles and with his arrival towards the end of pre season it may take some time for him to get going in a Widnes shirt properly.