In an absorbing contest that went right down to the wire, Bobby Finch scored an 80th minute try to give the 'red and blacks’ an opportunity to claim a share of the spoils; but it was not to be, and Vale went home happy after their afternoon’s work.

Widnes did, however, pick up a losing bonus point from the game which keeps them in fifth place ahead of next week's game at Sandbach.

Vale, meanwhile, will have been delighted with their efforts - particularly in that first half - in which they had established a comfortable lead, before hanging on for the win.

The weather for the game was warm and sunny, whilst the pitch was in excellent condition despite the dreadful monsoon like conditions earlier in the week.

And, it was Vale who started the game brightly through their big, well-drilled pack of forwards.

After missing a glorious opportunity following a break down centre field by scrum half Jack Batty, Vale got their noses in front with a try from Silverwood, who touched down wide out after stretching the Widnes defence.

The Wids then made their way up field, but we're unable to make more of the opportunity.

At this point, Widnes were lacking both patience and composure in their build up play, and that seemed to add to the Vale confidence who were soon able to add another try through hooker Andy Powers which doubled their advantage.

Despite being in arrears, the home side continued to play fast and loose when in possession, and they bombed at least a couple of potential try scoring opportunities following long range breaks from Rio Hamlett and Tom Spencer.

Instead, they had to settle for a well struck penalty from Josh Salter which finally got them onto the scoreboard.

Vale weren't finished yet though, and on 37 minutes they hit Widnes with a further hammer blow as Jack Ayrton barged his way over the line from close range for their third try which was goaled by Chris Ramwell.

There was still time for a visiting player to be despatched into the sin-bin, but there were no further changes to the scoreboard, and Vale went in at the break leading by 17pts - 3.

Trailing by fourteen points, the home side needed a good start to the second half, but during those early second half exchanges, their usual cutting edge continued to desert them.

Widnes then introduced both Jack Gilhooley and Aaron Duggan from the bench, which was followed by a long-range break by Jack Krause's which should have produced some points.

Finally, though, it did come right for the home side as the ever-willing Will Patient crashed through a couple of would be tackles before rolling his way over the line for a try.

Josh Salter's successful conversion attempt left the game evenly poised at 17 - 10.

Vale did then have a chance to extend their lead after 65 minutes, but Ramwell pulled his effort wide of the target.

After that, as the game ebbed and flowed in centre field, and it was beginning to look like there would be no further change to the scoreboard.

However, as the game entered its final minute, a midfield break freed up space for Bobby Finch to cut back inside and race home and dive over for a try that offered Widnes a chance to claim a last gasp share of the spoils.

A bout of fisticuffs after the try was scored then held up proceedings, but on the resumption the conversion attempt went agonisingly wide of the target and Vale had won.

Despite the loss, the home side were able to pick up a losing bonus point which may yet prove vital come the end of the season. Vale meanwhile, will be thrilled with the victory and a return to winning ways after successive defeats in their previous two matches.

For the home side, the ever-improving Charlie Feeley was selected as the player of the match, edging out other worthy recipients, Gavin Hatton and Dan Rourke.

Head coach Andy McIntosh said afterwards “This one goes down as a missed opportunity to make some further progress in the league table. At half time we trailed 17-3 having been very much on the back foot under some real pressure from a team who really took the game to us and dominated the collision.

It was a better performance in the second half after throwing down a half time challenge to the lads. The response was good but we still struggled to win our ball in the scrum giving away a few try scoring positions and our core skill set with the ball wasn’t good enough to fully turn the tables at the end of the day.

A late rally and score gave us a chance to share the spoils but it wasn’t to be. Overall, it was a disappointing result, but no excuses, we move on and prepare to face a strong Sandbach team, which will be a real test on the road next week”.

Widnes: J Krause, B Finch, T Spencer, L Lawton, J Leight, J Salter, G Hatton, D Rourke, B Mercer, J Winstanley, M Garrity (c), R Hamlett, E Price, W Patient, C Feeley. Reps: M Lawton, A Duggan, J Gilhooley.