Widnes on brink of promotion after comeback win at Vauxhall Motors

The Black-and-Whites head into their final game of the season at home to Trafford on Saturday knowing a draw will be enough to seal the NPL West Division title.

Michael Ellison's side's march to promotion has taken several hits in recent weeks - a four-game winless run prolonging their wait for silverware.

And although they fell behind at Vauxhall Motors on Easter Monday, goals either side of half-time from James Steele and Sean Miller turned the tide of the game, before substitute Sharif Deans scored with his first touch to wrap up all three points in the final quarter.

Speaking post-match, boss Michael Ellison was quick to point to the character of his side for not letting their heads drop after falling behind.

“I think that we’re playing well, things just weren’t happening for us," he said.

"After the win, I told the lads that you’ve made it happen today.

“What the lads showed today was character. I’m so proud of them - they’ve put themselves in a great position. At one point, we were 10 minutes away from winning the title - it’s such a fine margin.

“I’m delighted with the performance and the win. It’s nice to score a couple of goals and not be hanging on at the end.

“Vauxhall are a very good side - they beat us at home earlier on in the season, but today I thought we deserved the three points, and I’m over the moon.

“We always knew that it would go down to the last game. When you’re coming up against teams like Hednesford, Congleton, Vauxhall and Chasetown, they’re all very good sides, and we’re one win away from doing something very special."

Photo credit: Paul Moran

A late equaliser for Hednesford Town on Monday means the NPL West Division title fight will go down to the final weekend of the season.

Widnes find themselves three points above the Pitmen, who host ninth-placed Runcorn Linnets in their final game.

While the Black-and-Whites appear favourites to make the jump to Step 3 next season, boss Ellison has refused to put any pressure on his side as they look to take the final step.

“If it doesn’t happen, then it doesn’t happen. But I’ll be proud of the lads regardless," he added.

“We want it to happen, and we’re going to do everything in our power to make it happen, but if it doesn’t, we’ve had an unbelievable season. We just need one more step.

“Trafford will want to come and win. Rio Clegg is in with a chance of becoming the division’s top goalscorer, and the pressure is off them.

“We won’t be sitting back at home. Trying to play for the draw is no good for us, so we’ll be trying to win the game.

“I’ve been here for two-and-a-half seasons now, and every time our backs have been against the wall, we’ve delivered.

"Hopefully, we can do it one more time.”