Barnton failed to make it four consecutive victories after a lackluster display and a 74th minute James Ludgate strike gave Widnes a passage through to the second round of the Men United Cup.

Manager Andy Burgess made only one change to the side that beat Wigan Robin park last week, recalling Michael Thompson up front due to the absence of Jake Ellis.

However the performance was a shadow of the against Wigan and the home side never got going on a frustrating afternoon. The hosts did have chances however to get on the score sheet; leading goalscorer Colin Quirk struck an upright with a stinging drive early on and Thompson missed the target from eight yards when he should have done better.

Widnes had chances also but were kept at bay through a combination of excellent stops from 'keeper Adam Judge and poor finishing. They did however make the break through in the 74th minute when James Ludgate reacted quickest to a loose ball to smash home from 12 yards.

Barnton pushed for an equaliser, Quirk putting a header over the bar before rounding the 'keeper only to shoot wide from a tight angle, but it wasn't to be and Widnes progress to face Premier Division side St Helens in the next round.

Burgess was disappointed with his sides performance and had this to say, "It wasn't a good day at the office. We made bad decisions on the ball, played too long and went away from the good things we've been doing over the past few weeks. Our play in the final third wasn't good enough or sharp enough and we have to address certain situations that are letting us down at the moment. But it brings us firmly back down to earth and ensures that we go to Eccleshall on Wednesday needing an immidiate reaction".

Barnton AFC: 1. A Judge; 2. J Stafford; 3. J Robinson; 4. K Pollard; 5. J Coker; 6. S Rothwell; 7. B Graham; 8. D Nolan (c) (14. Rigby (41)); 9. A Ally; 10. C Quirk; 11. M Thompson (17. R Malone (72)). Subs Not Used: 12. J Faint; 15. G Sutcliffe; 16. C Tagoe.

Barnton are back in NWCFL action on Wednesday when they travel to Eccleshall, a full preview will be on site soon.