Kev Towey said that strong starts are key to his side's recent success as Widnes recorded a fourth successive win in all competitions with a 4-0 home win over Northwich Victoria.

Three goals in the opening 30 minutes had Widnes in cruise control with Ben Hodkinson, George Lomax and Kev Pollard all finding the net, while Chris Lomax added a fourth six minutes into the second half.

"Tonight had the potential to be a bit of a banana skin, as all of the remaining six games are," Towey admitted.

"Northwich are a good side. If they manage to get their noses in front, they'll make it extremely difficult.

"Just like on Monday against Winsford, we've got out of the blocks extremely well and scored three goals. We grabbed a fourth in the second half, and from then on we managed the game really well.

"The strong starts are something that we do work on. Prior to February, we were starting well and getting in front early quite regularly.

"We've stumbled with performances of late, but Monday and today have been very robust and on the front foot, which is really pleasing."

With striker Hodkinson on the scoresheet again, Towey praised his strike-partner and the contributions of brothers George and Chris Lomax.

He said: "When we brought Ben in, we told him that he'd play more than he did at Bootle, and I think that we've proved that since.

"I also said to both him and George, who are both in their early twenties, that they'll rarely play together. A lot of the time, it'll be one or the other alongside myself, so that they can gain experience.

"Hopefully, that can make them better players and well-rounded players moving forward.

"I genuinely believe that we're getting that from. The longevity of them both being so young, they're going to be at this football club for years and be our strike-force, which is frightening to be honest."

Widnes' win moves them four points clear in second in the Hallmark Security League Premier Division, with Runcorn Town occupying two games in-hand in third.

Towey believes that Widnes' experience from their title-winning campaign in the First Division last season will prove to be pivotal during the run-in.

"Tonight was so important in the context of the league table," Towey said.

"Town have two games in-hand, which are both away against tough opposition (Charnock Richard and Hanley Town).

"We can't control it, but it's up to them to go and do what they need to do. We've done our job.

"Worst-case scenario, Town win both games and are two points above us come Monday night. Anything else is a bonus."