Windscale moved through to the semi-final of the Monkwearmouth Cup with a fine 5-1 victory at South Moor.
The win extended their unbeaten run away from home in Wearside League competitions.
In fact the final score did not reflect the pattern of the game which was much closer than it suggested.
The visitors looked unorganised in the early stages with South Moor being far more energised following the kick-off.
The Atoms custodian Ian Studholme was required to make a number of saves to prevent the hosts from taking the initiative.
Windscale looked dangerous going forward with Lewis Jolly particularly threatening Moor’s defensive line on the right.
The first goal of the contest came after 15 minutes courtesy of Matt Sempill.
The opportunity was provided by Matty Pierce, after weaving his way through some heavy traffic he slipped a neat pass to Sempill who slotted the ball into the bottom corner beyond Jamie Bridge.
South Moor would have been disappointed going into the half time break with a 1-0 deficit given the chances they had created during the first 45 minutes.
There was some improvement from the Atoms at the start of the second period.
After a half-time ticking-off they held their shape much better allowing them to create a number of good opportunities.
They added to their total three minutes into the second half. A ball delivered from wide was picked up by Ben Graham who smashed it into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
Windscale increased their advantage to 3-0 in the 51st minute. From a long clearance by Andrew Begbie, the South Moor keeper had advanced outside his box and was forced to attempt to head the ball away from danger.
The resultant clearance was picked up by Jolly 30 yards from goal. He composed himself brilliantly and despatched the ball back over the keeper’s head into the back of the net.
The score was increased with two goals in quick succession as Jolly and Graham completed a brace each with confident finishes following good approach play.
With 20 minute remaining and a five goal cushion, manager Stephen Fawcett was able to provide some valuable game time bringing another four of the travelling party off the bench.
To their credit, South Moor had not thrown in the towel, and they reduced the arrears in the 79th minute.
Rod Carlin finished from close range after being put through one on one with the Atoms keeper.
Studholme quickly and correctly showed his displeasure with his team-mates for losing a clean sheet given his efforts throughout the 90 minutes.
The MOM was awarded jointly to Matty Pierce and Cameron Carter, as both made distinct contributions to the outcome.
The Atoms are on the road again next weekend when they travel to meet Wolviston in the Shipowners Cup competition.
