It has been a superb start to life in the dugout for Akrigg and joint manager Kev Towey, with the duo leading Widnes to promotion to the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One at the first attempt.

Winning 23 of their final 25 league games launched Widnes to a second successive promotion, joining Hallmark Security League Champions Runcorn Linnets in the eighth tier of English football to begin the 2018/19 season.

Widnes have the chance to complete a promotion/cup winning double, taking on Burscough in the Macron Cup final at Fleetwood Town's Highbury Stadium.

Not only is it Akrigg and Towey's first taste of a cup final in management, it is the first time that Widnes will compete in a cup final in the club's short history.

Speaking ahead of tonight's final, Akrigg is targeting silverware to end a highly-successful first season in management.

"We have pulled some great results out in cups this season, and the Macron Cup final is a great way to finish the season, it’s a huge game for us", said Akrigg.

"We have got to the tail end of the season, we've won promotion and got to a cup final, and we've got to finish it off now.

"Burscough are a side we know very well, and they have done great to get to the final, while still fighting for survival. The most important thing is to finish the job off, as we don’t want to get there and fall at the final hurdle.

"It’s not that often that you get to cup finals, unless you happen to be in certain teams that do get to finals a lot, or you happen to be one of those lucky players who moves to a club who get to finals a lot.

"It might be the only cup final some players will ever play in, so to get to a final played at Fleetwood Town is great. Some lads at this level might never play at grounds like that.

"I played at the ground when Fleetwood Town were in the Evo-Stik League, and obviously I know it has come on in leaps and bounds since then.

“It’s a great venue, I’m sure the lads will enjoy playing there and it will be great if we could come home with the trophy too".

The game kicks off at 7.45 pm and admission is by cash payment at the turnstiles. Prices are: £6 adults (aged 16 and over), £4 concessions (Over 65’s, students and 12-16 year olds) and £2 for under 12s.