WIDNES’ promotion ambitions were dealt a blow last weekend, when they lost 27-20 at Carlisle.
A couple of early injuries, a stack of mainly self-inflicted penalties, and two players in the sin-bin, was the story behind this defeat.
In fact, this was a game Widnes could, and should have won, but they pressed the self-destruct button once too often.
The visitors began brightly enough, and an early Matty Smith penalty and a try from Dave Welsh gave them an eight-point lead.
In the second half, Carlisle re-assessed their tactics, and it paid dividends as they chipped away at the deficit, and eventually overtook Widnes in the final furlong.
Glen Weightman was at the heart of everything that was good about the Cumbrian performance, whilst for Widnes, it was Matty Smith once again who proved to be their most potent threat.
WIDNES have a chance to get straight back on the horse again this weekend, when they take on Altrincham Kersal at Heath Road. Kick-off is 2.15pm.
