Windscale’s second half capitulation handed all three points to Norton and Stockton in their drive for the Wearside League championship.
Prospects looked good for the Atoms early in the game after a strong run by Dean Fox down the right in the third minute won a corner.
From the resultant delivery, it was Steven Walker, rising above everyone in the area to nod the ball into the Norton net.
Matt Sempill provided the next scoring opportunity for the hosts. A low drive was heading goalwards before Norton custodian Michael Arthur somehow got down to grasp hold of the effort.
Windscale, who were struggling to put their stamp on the game had a fortunate escape in the 26th minute.
Norton should have brought the scores level when Nicholas Martin eased beyond the Atoms defence, squared the ball across an unguarded net with Ross Leeson blocking a first attempt, followed by Ryan Fitzwilliam blocking a second follow-up effort and eventually clearing the ball up field.
It was quick thinking by Ian Studholme in the 31st minute ensuring the lead was maintained.
The Atoms keeper dashed from his goal to thwart an opportunity for Joe Taylor who had been put through one on one and it ensured the hosts hung on to their one goal advantage at the interval.
Whatever the Atoms manager said during the break appeared to go unheard.
Norton restored parity and went ahead within three minutes of the restart.
It was Taylor who levelled in the 46th minute and it was followed by a successful Nick Martin strike.
Windscale were struggling to build any serious attacks on the Norton goal and a number of substitutions did not have any major impact.
It was Taylor who increased Norton’s lead with a cool finish to make the score 3-1 with 15 minutes left on the referee’s watch.
The final goal, presenting Taylor with his hat trick, came from a penalty awarded in the final minute as Norton certainly deserved their 4-1 victory.
The next challenge for the Atoms is a Thursday night trip to Durham United’s 3G pitch with a home fixture against basement club Durham City two days later.
