Eribe Doro's try, together with Joe Edge's conversion and penalty, gave Vikings an 8-0 half-time lead but Panthers' James Saltonstall crossed and Joe Keyes added the goal early in the second half.
Keyes kicked a penalty to level matters on 55 minutes but Smith's drop goal 12 minutes later proved to be the decisive moment for Vikings.
Read the full match report here
. Drop Goal
Matty Smith's drop goal proved decisive. Picture: Simon Hall Photo: Simon Hall
. Hard Yards
Action from Halifax Panthers' 9-8 home loss to Widnes Vikings. Picture: Simon Hall Photo: Simon Hall
1. Hard Yards
Action from Halifax Panthers' 9-8 home loss to Widnes Vikings. Picture: Simon Hall Photo: Simon Hall
2. Celebrate
Action from Halifax Panthers' 9-8 home loss to Widnes Vikings. Picture: Simon Hall Photo: Simon Hall
3. Close Encounter
Action from Halifax Panthers' 9-8 home loss to Widnes Vikings. Picture: Simon Hall Photo: Simon Hall
4. Big Defence
Action from Halifax Panthers' 9-8 home loss to Widnes Vikings. Picture: Simon Hall Photo: Simon Hall