Windscale produced a battling performance in the Wearside League before eventually going down 3-1 against promotion hopefuls Darlington Town.
With only one recognised striker, Leo Brennan, the Atoms needed to reshuffle the pack due to their growing injury list and others with work commitments.
However, it was only late in the game that the hosts were able to claim the victory.
Play was even in the first 15 minutes and the Atoms created the first real chance.
Following link-up play between Joe Philipson and Darren Donald the pair provided a scoring opportunity for Reece Fretwell. His effort unfortunately deflected off a defender, taking the sting out of the shot which allowed the Darlington keeper to collect the ball comfortably.
The game opened-up in the 24th minute when the hosts took the lead. Following a well worked move down the left the ball was slotted passed Ian Studholme from a tight angle to give Darlington the edge.
The Atoms suffered a further setback in the 40th minute, when the influential Fretwell was forced to leave the contest, further adding to Windscale’s growing injury list.
Fretwell was replaced by Matt Pilkington who himself has just returned after a long absence.
Shortly after the change, the home defence prevented a goal when a Brennan shot evaded the keeper with a defender clearing the ball off the goal line.
Parity was restored three minutes before the half-time break. Ross Leeson was crudely hacked down and with the ball running free to Donald, the referee played a good advantage to allow him to round a defender and slot the ball beyond the Darlington custodian.
Windscale made a good start to the second period creating an opening for Matt Metcalf who unfortunately balloons the ball over the crossbar.
Play became scrappy with both teams being over physical, cautions being handed out to players from both sides.
Donald went close for Windscale when he latched on to a long ball but his lob for goal was foiled with the Darlington keeper just managing to get a fingertip on the ball.
Darlington undeservedly retook the lead when a short back pass was intercepted by a Darlington striker. He took the ball around Studholme and planted it into the back of the Atom’s net.
The hosts secured the victory in the 76th minute with a header from the edge of the six yard box.
The score was harsh on Windscale who will certainly pick themselves up for another away fixture against table toppers, Gateshead Leam Rangers next weekend.
