Recap

Widnes Vikings were unable to pick up an Easter double, as they fell to a 17-10 defeat away to York City Knights on Monday. 

Jayden Hatton made his first start for the Vikings after being named as an unused substitute against Batley Bulldogs earlier in the season, with Ben Davies also coming in for his debut.

Anthony Gelling and Calum O’Neill made way, with Dom Speakman also coming in to the squad in place of Danny Craven.

The Vikings opened the scoring on nine minutes, after a penalty for a late shot on Lloyd Roby gave the visitors a repeat set. Off the back of that, Sam Wilde proved too strong from close range, with Jack Owens adding the extras.

Chances were few and far between as both sides came up with a number of errors, making for a stop-start affair.

Widnes did have a golden opportunity to extend their lead though, as Roby scooped up a dropped ball to break, finding Keanan Brandon support. He then looked to find Sam Freeman but the winger failed to collect his pass as the chance went begging.

While the Vikings struggled in attack they were resolute in defence, as they were forced to defend their line for prolonged periods.

Purtill’s men managed to keep the hosts scoreless in the first period, as they led 6-0 at the break.

Seven minutes into the second period, the Vikings extended their lead after Owens stepped past a tackle and found Ryan Ince with a cut-out ball, sending the winger over for an unconverted effort.

10 minutes later York began their comeback, with Jason Bass exploiting some space on the left edge to dive over.

The scores were level on the hour mark, as Jack Blagbrough broke through the middle and found Matthew Marsh in support, with Jason Bass finishing the move out wide.

Conor Robinson missed a penalty goal attempt before Freeman thought he had put Widnes ahead, but his diving effort was chalked off after he was called in touch.

With nine minutes left on the clock, Robinson landed a field-goal to edge the Knights in front before moments later he stepped his way past a scrambling defence to score. He couldn’t convert his own effort, meaning the lead stood at just five points.

Widnes tried to find a way through as the time started to run out, but handling errors cost them in the end.

A ball steal as the hooter sounded gave Robinson a chance to end the game with a shot at goal, as he rounded off the victory for the Knights by adding another two points.