MATCH: Widnes v Ramsbottom United
VENUE: DCBL Stadium, Halton, Widnes, WA8 7DZ
COMPETITION: Northern Premier League West Division
DATE: Tuesday 8th February 2022
KICK-OFF: 7.45pm
DISTANCE FROM RAMMY: 36 miles, 45 minutes
ADMISSION:
Admission prices are £8 adults, £4 concessions, £1 Under 16s and tickets can be purchased from https://widnesfc.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets. Tickets can also be purchased on the gate, with gates opening at 6.45pm.
OVERVIEW:
The Rams head to Widnes in search of an illusive first three points of the 2022 calendar year in a first ‘night’ match since mid-September.
Widnes, one of the real form sides in recent times with five wins in their last eight games, including an impressive 2-1 victory over Clitheroe on Saturday, will no doubt prove a very stern test as they proved back in November when the Rams got the better of them 3-2 but had to endure a nervy final quarter when Ryan Jennings pulled the visitors back into the game on 75 minutes.
But the need for a win for the Rams, suddenly finding themselves one point and one place above the dreaded dotted line of the relegation play-off berth, has never been more great.
However, they will be buoyed by the first away point in 11 attempts a couple of weeks ago at Newcastle Town and certainly refreshed after having the weekend off due to a waterlogged pitch.
With manager Lee Donafee once again dipping into the transfer market and bringing in two new faces for the end of season push, hopes are high that a revival in their fortunes follows – after all, a win in this game will move the Rams from their current 17th place to above their hosts in 13th as just three points separate six teams from 12th to 17th.
There is still so much to play for and plenty to look forward to. With some excting new faces and some budding shoots of improvement appearing game on game, the Rams are certainly geared up for a charge.
STAT OF THE PREVIEW:
The Rams are unbeaten in their previous two visits to the Halton Stadium, winning 4-1 in September 2020 and 2-2 in December 2019 … both of which, by the dint of the regulations are null and void!
LEAGUE FORM GUIDE (most recent game first):
Ramsbottom United: D L L L L W
Widnes: W W L W W L
HISTORY:
You can read all about the history between the Rams and Widnes in our comprehensive “Have We Met” article, which is below – which just needs updating with the 3-2 win in the reverse fixtures at the HWRS back in November.
TEAM NEWS:
Manager Lee Donafee is hoping Tuesday’s fixture is the start of a run of form towards the end of the season.
He said: “We travel to widnes who are in good form. We will be hoping to get a win and build some momentum ourselves.”
New signing Billy Hasler-Cregg is available and is expected to be in the squad as is 1874 Northwich youngster James Ormrod, who has signed on Monday night for the end of season push.
Tom Hartley will be missing from squad as he is unavailable.
It will be the first of the two match Jason Carey’s suspension while Michael Fitzgerald is also unavailable after being temporarily recalled by Blackpool for their FA Youth Cup tie against Newcastle on Wednesday.
