TREMENDOUS

Vikings hooker Mark Smith helps out with the defensive work but he was one of the chief tormentors in attack against Doncaster Lakes at the weekend. Picture by Doncaster Free Press.

WIDNES coach Steve McCormack believes his side's home defeat to Rochdale Hornets three weeks ago could have proved an unexpected positive for his side.

Certainly there was precious little sign of any similar defensive frailties as the Vikings thrashed Doncaster Lakers 56-0 on Sunday.

McCormack told the World: "Since we were beaten by Rochdale we realised we just couldn't turn up and win games, so it was a massive turning point for us.

"We identified the Doncaster game as a really important one.

"To go to Doncaster and put that sort of score on them despite having a 20-minute dodgy spell in the second half was tremendous.

"There's still room for improvement but I was delighted with the defensive effort."

With the game in the bag well before the final hooter, McCormack was particularly pleased with the way his charges fought to keep the Yorkshire side scoreless.

He added: "They made a break after about 78 minutes but we still showed tremendous desire to get back and defend.

"That was the most pleasing aspect for me because Doncaster have scored a lot of points this year.

"Our attitude was spot on and I think we could have been still playing until now and they still wouldn't have scored, which is great to see."

Vikings are now just 80 minutes away from securing second spot in LHF Healthplan National League One as they prepare to take on Halifax at Halton Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

It would take a particularly bad day at the office for Widnes to fail, given third-placed Leigh trail by two league points and are 67 worse off in terms of points difference.

But McCormack is determined there will be no complacency from his side as they aim to hit the play-offs with momentum.

"Halifax have got a lot to play for because they can still make the top six," he insisted.

"I watched them on tape against Whitehaven at the weekend and they probably should have won.

"They've got two very good half backs in Brambini and Penny and a very good hooker in John Clough.

"If we're not fully focused they can certainly punish us. We can't take our foot off the pedal."

Widnes will again be picking from strength for the Halifax game.

Three-quarter Darryl Cardiss picked up a facial knock at Doncaster but should be fit to play, while prop Barrie McDermott is expected to return after missing out at the weekend with a groin injury.

Full back Gavin Dodd remains the only major doubt and McCormack is unlikely to risk rushing him back too early.

The Widnes boss is hoping for a bumper crowd for what could be the Vikings' last home game of the season.

"I hope the Widnes fans turn out in numbers to see us cement second spot.

"Finishing second as opposed to third is a massive advantage. It gives us a week off and after a long season it gives you the chance to get the energy levels back up.

"We'll be able to prepare fully for Hull KR. But we won't start thinking about them until we nail that second spot."