Widnes keep opponents scoreless in a Championship fixture for the first time since 2022

It has been a remarkable two weeks for Widnes in attack, scoring over a century of points in just two fixtures. High profile signing Jordan Abdull has departed the club for Sheffield Eagles, completing his loan move last week.

Hayes in, Abdull out

The move split opinions amongst supporters, who built a strong love for Abdull, however head coach Allan Coleman opted to go in a different direction with the shape of his attack.

Leon Hayes was brought into the club on a short term loan basis as his replacement, a move that so far has been nothing short of a master stroke. The Warrington youngster has been instrumental in the Vikings attack both against Dewsbury and Halifax.

The lively Half-back has paired both Joe Lyons and Tom Gilmore in the playmaking positions and has complimented both exceptionally.

He adds speed to the attack whilst possessing the ability to switch play at the drop of a hat. His kicking game is incredibly strong, alongside his game management skills.

His style of play didn’t allow Halifax to rest and his contribution to the game went a long way to ensure Widnes kept Halifax scoreless.

Change in attack, a change in defence?

Now with a quicker Half-back combination and added injection of speed into the attack, Coleman now has the option to play a much more expansive style of play.

Sunday was an example of this coming to fruition for Widnes, punishing a tired defence time and time again. The Panthers was exposed and had no response to a clinical Vikings team.

Their constant need to defend all over the pitch meant Halifax had little to offer in attack due to fatigue.

The new found playing style of Coleman and Widnes not only can be the Vikings biggest attacking weapon, it can also be the teams biggest defensive strength, draining the oppositions energy levels to make defensive work easier.

Last Championship team kept scoreless by Widnes

It was the first time in a Championship fixture Widnes have kept a team scoreless since July 2022. On that day under John Kear, Widnes travelled to Workington Town and claimed a 38-0 away victory.

Only Jack Owens, Ryan Ince, Matty Fozard, Adam Lawton and Sam Wilde played a part in both games.

Widnes also enjoyed a 76-0 victory over Thatto Heath in the Challenge Cup earlier on this season.

Image RL PIX