Runcorn Linnets made it two draws on the trot to start the season.
They were indebted last night to Adam Moseley, whose late equaliser ensured a closely-fought Halton derby in Pitching In Northern Premier League West fittingly ended 2-2.
Former Linnnets boss Michael Ellison's Widnes side had looked to be on course for a third successive win in league and cup after overturning an early deficit in Linnets' first home match.
Following a bright start by the hosts, striker Ryan Brooke leapt to head home at point blank range from a right-wing James Hooper corner to the far post in the 15th minute.
It was a handy contribution by Hooper, who had not long joined the action as a substitute, Lewis Doyle having sustained a worrying injury.
Key man Doyle's premature exit would cost the hosts.
With no like-for-like replacement on the bench, Runcorn had to make three positional changes to cover the loss in central midfield.
It enabled Widnes to take a grip as they began to dominate centrally through Sean Miller, who had spectacularly scored twice in APEC Taxis Stadium defeat for the Whites late last season, and newcomer Ben Rydel.
Striker Sharif Deans fired a warning to Linnets when striking the crossbar from distance before volleying the visitors level in the 31st minute.
There was no further scoring before half-time.
Upon the restart, Eden Gumbs (coming in for Hooper in an otherwise unchanged line-up) rattled the bar with a powerful strike from outside the box.
But with a spring in their step, the away side went in front in the 54th minute thanks to a splendid run and left-foot shot by Jack Walls, whose effort fizzed low past Bayleigh Passant into the right corner.
Runcorn had been made to pay dearly for a misplaced pass in the centre of the park.
Linnets boss Anthony Kay admitted on taking the job in the summer that he would be taking retirement to concentrate on managerial duties and only taking the field if absolutely necessary.
That moment arrived only 65 minutes into Linnets' first home fixture of the campaign. He joined the fray to stiffen up the struggling Runcorn midfield.
Kay's presence proved significant as he was able to galvanise his players into a spirited comeback.
At the same time, recent signing Luke Wall made his first competitive appearance, having sustained a calf injury midway through what had been a promising pre-season for the former Bala Town man.
Wall also made a difference with his wing play on the right, having impressed on the left in warm-up games.
The Yellow & Green fightback was crowned on Moseley's intervention in the 84th minute.
The hometown youngster with a growing influence at Linnets delivered a dangerous ball in from the left - what appeared a cross evading team-mate Will Saxon at the near post and also 'keeper Mark Halstead to earn Linnets a deserved point in front of a rain-drenched crowd of 610.
There had likewise been parity in Runcorn's opening Saturday fixture at newly-promoted Wythenshawe.
It ended 0-0, despite Moseley (twice) and Hooper having the ball in the net only to be foiled by offside flags.
Wythenshawe, reigning North West Counties League Premier Division champions, threatened the Runcorn goal in the second half and were denied a last-gasp winner by a superb save by Passant. The draw was a fair result.
Linnets turn attention to the Emirates FA Cup this Saturday when in-form Wythenshawe Town, another club new to the NPL scene, visit in the Preliminary Round. Kick off is at 3pm.
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