Widnes search for a 10th straight victory as they welcome Oldham in a mouth watering top of the table clash
Friday will mark exactly 13 weeks since the Vikings last tasted defeat against Barrow Raiders on Good Friday afternoon. On the day Widnes suffered a frustrating 18-8 defeat, which left many supporters questioning Allan Colemans decision to leave out Jordan Abdull from the match day squad.
Since that moment, Allan and the team have not looked back, racking up nine back to back victories, including a 52-0 Semi-Final victory over Rochdale Hornets.
During that time period Jordan Abdull departed the club to take up a contract with the Sheffield Eagles for the rest of the season.
Since Abdull’s departure from Widnes, Warrington Wolves youngster Leon Hayes, Widnes captain Jack Owens and new Vikings recruit Danny Richardson have all partnered Tom Gilmore at Half-back.
All three men have brought a freshness to the Vikings attack, offering a greater running threat during possession. As a result Widnes have stretched teams and increased the tempo of matches to levels opponents have been unable to match.
The new style of play is getting the best out of the Vikings most dangerous attacking weapons, none more so than Nathan Connell who is enjoying broken field space and has bagged 14 tries in 18 Widnes appearances, Ryan Ince also sits on 17 tries in 18 appearances.
The change in tactics has been a master stroke by Coleman, however in recent weeks its the Vikings stern defence that has captured headlines.
Record breaking defence
Widnes go into Friday nights game not conceding a point in June so far. The Vikings have kept their last three opponents scoreless something that is yet to be achieved by a Widnes team since 1948.
Rewinding back the clock, the first of these results was an 8-0 home victory against Castleford on November 6th 1948 at Naughton Park. This was followed by a 5-0 victory over Workington on the 20th November 1948, once again at Naughton Park.
The last of the results was a bore 0-0 draw against Whitehaven away from home on the 27th November 1948.
After Whitehaven, Widnes travelled to Leigh and suffered a 6-4 away defeat. The Vikings team of the 2026 season will be hoping to avoid the same fait of a defeat in the fourth game.
Widnes team news
Allan Coleman makes one change to his 21 man squad that secured a 48-0 away victory over Hunslet on Sunday.
Star man Joe Edge drops out of the squad after sustaining a head injury in the Hunslet clash. It is likely he will be replaced by Kieran Taylor who has impressed of late or the returning Matt Fleming. Winger Mike Butt remains a doubt and will be assessed Thursday before selection.
It is expected Lewis Hall is likely to return to the starting Loose-forward position. If recent form and selection is any clue, Adam Lawton is likely to be the man replaced to suit a quicker ruck speed.
After his impressive man of the match performance, Liam Bent has applied preasure on earning his place back in the team. It will be a tough call for Coleman on whether Bent or Langtree earn a place in the matchday squad Friday night.
The impressive form of Oldham
Allan Kilshaw’s men enter Friday’s game in some impressive form of their own as they search for their 12th straight Championship victory, the most back to back for the club in a league campaign since 2001.
Oldham last suffered defeat in the Championship in the reverse fixture against the Vikings with Widnes registering an 18-12 away victory on the night.
Since Oldham have only suffered a 58-0 away defeat to Catalan Dragons in the Challenge Cup and a disappointing 34-40 defeat to Midland Hurricanes in the 1895 Cup.
With Oldham sitting one place above Widnes in the league table and only 6 points the difference the last time the teams met, Friday night could be a Championship classic.
One change for Oldham
Allan Kilshaw welcomes back forward Jaron Purcell to his matchday squad. Jaron has scored 5 tries in 16 appearances for Oldham, however has not featured since May. He replaces former PNG international Emanual Waine.
Oldham also include Warrington loan duo Ben Hartill and Josh Thewlis.
One to watch (Josh Drinkwater)
In what promises to be a an uncompromising battle in humid conditions, the game management and kicking game of Josh Drinkwater will be crucial if Oldham are to escape victorious.
In such conditions, neither team will want to be starved of possession or trapped in their own territory for prolong periods.
With that said Oldham will turn to the boot of Drinkwater to test the Vikings back field. Nathan Connell, Ryan Ince and Mike Butt will have to remain alert for the full 80 minutes, cautious of their positioning on last tackle plays.
Drinkwater will be a threat with his long, short kicking game and his experience of winning the Challenge Cup and 194 Super League appearances will be crucial if Oldham are to unlock the watertight Vikings defence.
