WIDNES went down to a controversial last minute penalty at Mint Bridge losing 15-12 to Kendal.

Four Glen Weightman penalties had earlier given what looked like a winning margin before the visitors launched an outstanding comeback.

They squared things up with two terrific long range tries from Chris Atkin and Tom Spencer and one Kevin Leadbetter conversion.

But, with just under a minute remaining and a draw looking the likeliest result, the referee awarded Widnes a penalty before reversing his decision offering Weightman the chance to slot over his fifth kick and a fortunate victory for his side. Widnes will be hoping for better things this coming weekend, when they host Carlisle at Heath Road.

Carlisle are having a better season than in recent years, and currently lie in ninth place in the table with five wins and five defeats from their ten games so far, slipping up at home 11-12 against Broughton Park on Saturday.

The Cumbrians have a decent record at Heath with two wins from their three previous journeys down the M6, so Widnes will need to be fully switched on if they are to re-ignite their challenge with the leading clubs above them.

The game kicks off at 2.15pm.