WIDNES Vikings suffered a defeat on the hooter at Halifax with Liam Harris's drop-taking a 17-16 win at the Shay.

Vikings had led after a delayed start and opened the scoring after three minutes when Joe Lyons smartly kicked for Jack Owens to collect possession and score.

Jayden Hatton intercepted and raced the length of the field to extend the lead, with a touchline conversion, making it 12-0.

Panthers replied on 29 minutes through an Elliot Morris try.

Ste Tyrer kicked two penalties before the break making it a 10-point lead.

Midway through the second half Halifax's James Saltonstall crossed twice, with Liam Harris converting from touch to level the scores.

Halifax broke Widnes hearts with 13 seconds of the contest remaining with Harris kicking the one-pointer.

Halifax Panthers: James Woodburn-Hall, Nick Rawsthorne, Greg Worthington, Zack McComb, James Saltonstall, Liam Harris, Scott Grix, Will Calcott, Brandon Moore, Dan Murray, Matthew Garside, Ben Kavanagh, Adam Tangata.

Interchanges: Amir Bourough, Gadwin Springer, Jacob Fairbank, Elliot Morris.

Tries: Morris, Saltonstall 2.

Goals: Harris 2/3.

Drop-goal: Harris.

Widnes Vikings: Jack Owens, Jayden Hatton, Ste Tyrer, Lloyd Roby, Deon Cross, Danny Craven, Joe Lyons, Shane Grady, Lewis Else, Kenny Baker, Adam Lawton, Josh Wilde, Matty Smith.

Interchanges: Matt Cook, Will Tilleke, Lewis Hulme, Daniel Hill.

Tries: Owens, Hatton.

 Goals: Tyrer 4/4