WIDNES drew a line under a satisfying first half of the season with a hard earned victory away at basement club Manchester.
That victory means they finish the year in sixth spot with a current return of eight wins, a draw and four defeats, but with a game in hand over many of their closest rivals.
As well as that, they can take some comfort from the fact that – with the exception of Carlisle – they have already played all of the current promotion challengers away from home.
There is no doubt though, that things have been tougher than last season, but that is hardly surprising considering they were the new kids on the block in North One West.
And, so far this season, they have not yet been able to field the same side two week’s running. But the likes of Arnie Haydock, Jonny Lowe, Mike Garrity, Ste Reynolds and Chris Atkin will have an early chance to impress even further on January 5, when they take on leaders Sale at Heath Road.
Widnes were very unfortunate to lose that to them this season, and they will be on something of a revenge mission.
