Windscale’s recent good run of form came to an end with a home defeat against the current Wearside League leaders.
In a close first half which Darlington Town shaded 2-1, the Atoms were unable to maintain their challenge shipping three further goals without reply in the second period.
Town took the lead in the 20th minute hen, Lewis Walton latched onto a loose ball and steering a shot beyond Ian Studholme into the back of the net.
The Atoms restored parity ten minutes later with a goal from their top scorer Lewis Jolly.
Matt Metcalf won the ball in midfield and picked out Jolly who cut past the Town defence to fire the ball home.
Darlington responded almost immediately with James Beauchamp restoring their advantage to leave them 2-1 ahead at the break.
The second period demonstrated why Darlington, last year’s champions, are on course for a repeat.
Despite the Atoms best efforts they were unable to prevent the visitors from taking the spoils.
Ben Wood added Town’s third in the 55th minute before Windscale saw an effort four minutes later come back off the post with the keeper stranded.
Play was end to end with both sides looking dangerous, particularly from dead ball situations.
However, it was Woods who finally decided the issue with a goal in the 86th minute, before completing his hat-trick with a minute left on the referee’s watch.
Windscale have the opportunity to get back to winning ways on Saturday with a home game to fourth-placed Norton and Stockton Ancients.
It’s an opportunity again for the Atoms to test their mettle.
