 Grimbsy were a struggling First Division side, and suffered relegation at the end of the 1996–97 campaign, though Widdrington did score a memorable goal past Southend United on the last day of the season.They enjoyed an immediate return in 1997–98 after winning the play-off Final against Northampton Town 1–0.However injury meant that he missed out on the League Trophy Final victory over Bournemouth at Wembley.