Widnes Vikings return to the LNER stadium for the second time in a month following a heavy defeat on their previous visit
The Vikings return to league action on Sunday away at York. The previous fixture earlier on in the month saw Widnes crash out of the 1895 cup in what can only be described as a below par performance.
The game from a Widnes perspective lacked energy and intent, the forward battle was lost and mistakes was plenty, which saw a powerful, clinical York team punish the Vikings. Since then Widnes suffered another heavy defeat at home to Barrow but followed that up by fighting back from 10-0 down to earn a 10-10 draw on good Friday against big spenders Oldham.
The performance against Oldham was by no means polished but a marked improvement on the previous two weeks. The belief and mental toughness installed by head coach Allan Coleman into the playing group in recent times was back on show.
Speaking after the Oldham game on the performance Coleman said “What was pleasing is we had a bit more togetherness again that we had all last year, we showed a desire to not get beat, desperation on our try line and energy when we was under the pump, we just kept going.”
As for York since knocking Widnes out the 1895 cup they demolished Doncaster 66-0 but last week fell to a shock 24-22 defeat to Featherstone having led 16-0 at half time.
Speaking ahead of Sundays fixture head coach Mark Applegarth said “We are aware of the threat, they are above us in the table, that shows how good they are, we will be going in as underdogs in that sense so we have to show we are more desperate to get them points.”
Applegarth also highlighted the influence of Tom Gilmore complimenting how well the half back steers the team round the field. Martyn Reilly and Jack Owens also was given praise by the York boss.
On his own team Applegarth said “I feel there have been a few games now we have probably thrown away, we can’t keep on saying that, we need to transfer them into points, if we hit the standards that we want to hit the table will take care of itself, we need to get that level of consistency about ourselves.”
Widnes Injury Update
The Vikings named just a 19 man squad following duel registration partners Warrington re calling there players. It is believed head coach Sam Burgess was left frustrated with Oli Leyland being selected at Full Back rather than at Half Back, which could explain his and the others absences.
Speaking ahead of the game Coleman added “We have to bring last weeks performance with more, in my eyes they are the best team in the competition I won’t go away from that fact, when we lost to them in the 1895 cup I felt we lost to the winners, they are a very good team who are very well coached, we have to believe in ourselves because last year we won games just by believing in each other, we have to kick on.”
A surprise inclusion in the 19 man squad was last years player of the year Jordan Johnstone. Following the Oldham game Coleman confirmed Johnstone was 2 weeks away from being available which would suggest he is unlikely to take the field on Sunday.
Rhys Williams also returns to be in the frame for selection following a honeymoon that was booked before signing his Widnes contract.
On a negative note Matt Fleming misses out whilst still recovering from his Hamstring injury suffered in the Barrow game, it is believed the injury isn’t serious and he won’t be far away from a return.
Dec Patton’s foot is in a boot and the club are awaiting scans to see the full severity of the injury. Max Roberts has sustained a potential MCL injury which would keep him side lined for a number of weeks. Ryan Lannon is suffering from illness and is currently not well enough to play, that is being taken on a weekly basis.
On a more positive spin the Vikings are in talks with players to bring in who will be with the club beyond this season, which will add much needed depth and fresh quality into the staring team at a crucial time of the season.
York Squad Update
Speaking ahead of the game York coach Mark Applegarth highlighted after the Featherstone defeat there could be some changes to the York team saying “I will always pick on performance and training so we will see how that unfolds this week, I don’t think there can be any complaints from anyone if there are changes after a loss.”
One man who could be in line to get his chance is former Castleford man and reality television star Jacques O’Neil. Speaking on him Applegarth said “He is in my ear every single training session, he has been training the house down, he will get his opportunity sooner rather than later, he is fit, firing and ready to go.”
York have named a strong 21 man squad to select from. Ata Hingano a face that is familiar with a lot of Vikings supporters will be available having missed the last meeting between the two sides.
Connor Fitzsimons is back in contention for a return on Sunday following an ankle and calf injury.
Mitch Clark will miss the action due to a torn pec he is at least two months away from fitness. Full Back Will Dagger will not feature as he is set to spend three to four months on the sidelines with a serious quad injury.
Myles Harrison, Jude Ferreira and Brad Ward also fail to make the 21 man squad.
Previous five meetings
Widnes have just won one out of the last five meetings between the two clubs. The only result Widnes have picked up was a last minute victory courtesy of a Mike Butt try in the dying moments in June last season.
April 6th 2025 – York 39 – 6 Widnes
October 5th 2024 – York 25 – 10 Widnes
September 8th 2024 – Widnes 6 – 12 York
June 2nd 2024 – York 18 – 22 Widnes
August 20th 2023 – Widnes 30 – 40 York
Trivia
There have been as many as 75 games between the two clubs dating back to 1907 with Widnes winning 50 whilst York have won 25. The biggest winning margin of them all was back in 2001 where Widnes won 90-6 scoring 16 tries. Phil Cantillon scored 28 of the Vikings points on the day.
