A DRAMATIC victory was secured by injury-hit Widnes Vikings in a tense Championship clash at Halifax Panthers.
Vikings edged out Halifax 11-10, with Tom Gilmore's drop goal proving to be the difference.
Mike Butt opened the scoring for Widnes just eight minutes in, crossing in the corner after the visitors found space on the left edge.
However, the Vikings were soon forced into reshuffling their line-up after a string of injuries to Lewis Hall, Matty Fozard, Nathan Connell, and debutant Max Banditt, all of whom were unable to continue.
Despite the disruption, Widnes defended resolutely to keep Halifax scoreless at half-time, with Danny Richardson missing a drop goal on the hooter to leave the score at 4-0.
The Panthers levelled the game 10 minutes into the second half, cashing in on Vikings failing to deal with a long kick.
Widnes regained the lead six minutes later when a short kick from Tom Gilmore was chased down by Dan Murray, who grubbered the ball through a defender’s legs and touched down.
With eight minutes remaining, Gilmore slotted a 25-yard drop goal to put the Vikings up 11-4.
Halifax hit back late through Ben Forster, who crashed over from close range after a penalty put the hosts in good field position.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing moments, the Panthers were unable to find a match-winning score as Widnes held on for a hard-fought win.
Widnes Vikings: Connell, Ince, Taylor, Sambou, Butt, Richardson, Gilmore, Murray, Johnstone, Chapelow, Langtree, Roberts, Hall.
Subs: Fozard, Lawton, Banditt, Houghton, Gregson.
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