NORTHWICH Victoria recovered from the blow of conceding an early goal to earn a second crack at a higher-ranked opponent in a replay on Wednesday.

Ben Hodkinson was sent sprawling by Danny Taberner, Vics’ goalkeeper, in the second minute and the Widnes attacker converted the resulting penalty with power.

Steve Wilkes’ side appealed for a spot-kick of their own when Rob Doran’s shot struck Phil Doran’s arm but referee Matthew Scholes wasn’t persuaded.

A bumpy playing surface and a strong wind affected the spectacle that followed at Barnton’s Townfield, a temporary home for promoted Widnes.

Vics were next to go close, and former custodian Richie Mottram used his fingertips to divert Billy Whittle’s header over the bar after John Connolly’s free-kick picked out the midfielder.

Widnes’ number one was called into action again shortly after the interval when he diverted Dom Craig’s rising shot from the edge of the penalty area.

A leveller arrived on 54 minutes though when Doran spun and shot in the same movement, finding the bottom corner.

The home team responded when George Lomax’s effort led to Taberner making a save.

Vics spurned their best opportunity to progress when Doran, sent clear by Connolly, fired straight at Mottram.

Taberner was equal to a volley from player co-manager Kev Towey, on as a substitute, at the other end before Northwich replacement Stuart McDonald’s low attempt whistled wide.

“Both teams will think they had chances to win the tie at the first time of asking,” reflected Vics boss Steve Wilkes.

“In truth the game never really got going due to a very hard pitch, and it’s all to play for in midweek.”

Widnes travel to Wincham Park to face Vics again on Wednesday, kick-off 7.45pm.

Widnes | Mottram (GK), Roberts (Graham 76), Phil Doran, Sheen (Pollard 50), Cartwright, Burke, Chris Lomax (Towey 76), Ventre, George Lomax, Hodkinson, Korie-Butler Subs not used Akrigg, Johnstone, Jones, Webster Goal Hodkinson 2 (penalty)

Vics | Taberner (GK), Camozzi, Kenny, Barksi, Monson, Craig, Whittle, Cooke, Connolly (McDonald 81), Brownhill, Rob Doran Subs not used Shinks, Bickett, Gorman, Ayres, Whittington, Neild (GK) Goal Rob Doran 54

Referee Matthew Scholes

Attendance 126

Match report by Jamie Dewsbury