By Liam Price, photo by Jonathan White
The 2023/24 season, full of highs and lows, comes to an end for the Dabbers on Saturday with a trip to Widnes (3pm kick-off).
Silent Widnes
Widnes have quietly had a very effective season, in and around the play offs for large parts of it. They just fell short however in crucial games in recent weeks, losing to Witton and Runcorn, that Linnets defeat ending their hopes once and for all at the same time as the Dabbers. They have, however, won 4 of their last 5 matches (the Runcorn loss the only blemish), including as recently as Tuesday night when they beat Kidsgrove 3-0 in the last game in hand of the season. In theory at least, they should be less fresh, but they have won their last 4 in a row at home. And their 41 goals conceded is the joint second lowest of anyone in the league.
Both teams here can still hypothetically finish as high as 7th. Widnes currently hold that spot, and it would take quite a combination of results for the Dabbers, in 10th, to get there. Nantwich would have to beat Widnes by 3 goals, and hope that Avro lose to Mossley and Clitheroe fail to beat Leek.
Elsewhere in the league, none of the 4 play off places are yet settled, neither are all the teams who will be in them. Runcorn Linnets, who are safe in the play-offs, head to relegated 1874 Northwich strong favourites to secure 2nd. Prescot Cables (3rd) travel to Trafford, and Bootle (5th) head to also relegated Hednesford. All eyes, though, will be on The VanEupen Arena as City of Liverpool (4th) host Witton (6th). A draw could be enough for both sides if Bootle lose, but Witton will be going there to get a result and guarantee their spot. It really is winner takes all.
Last Time We Met
On a bitterly cold night in December the Dabbers fell to a 2-0 defeat at home. Jack McGowan’s penalty and James Steele’s strike early in the second half won it for Widnes. That game came just 3 days after the Dabbers knocked York out of the FA Trophy, and rather sums that section of the season up, magical cup moments then not followed up in the bread and butter games. Highlights below.
Players to Watch
Steele scored that night and he’s barely stopped scoring since. 9 goals in 2024 and 4 just in April. 8 of his last 9 goals have come in pairs as well. You don’t get anything for a pair, not in this game. Apart from maybe 3 points. He has 19 for the season, the same as Nantwich’s current top scorer Byron Harrison.
Former Dabber Cameron Terry should be in goal for them again at the DCBL Stadium.
Match Information
Match tickets for this one can be bought online HERE. They can be bought on the gate too, but please note it’s cash only.
There are still seats left for coach travel from the Swansway Stadium to Widnes, departing at midday on Saturday. Get yours HERE.
There are a couple of A-road routes that do take you through tolls if you’re making your own way. The M6 route is longer but avoids those, it’s then the A57 and A557 into Widnes.