Windscale maintained their interest in all three Wearside Cup competitions when they advanced to the second round of Ship Owners Cup with a 3-2 win at Wolviston.
The tie had been postponed twice previously due to the pitch at Metcalfe Park being unplayable and to ensure the tie went ahead at the third time of asking, Wolviston switched the game to the artificial surface at St Bede’s College.
The Atoms took a little time to adjust to the narrow pitch and strong wind which they had in their favour during the first half. Play was scrappy from both teams with neither commanding the majority of the possession.
It was Windscale who grabbed the initiative in the 42nd minute enabling them to take a 1-0 lead into the half time break.
A ball down the line was picked up by Lewis Jolly who, after skipping past his marker, delivered a great cross for Ben Graham to slam home giving Wolviston custodian, Elliot Coils little chance.
The Atoms started the second period well but substituted regular scorer Jolly early in the period as he was suffering some discomfort from his hamstring. The change was as a protective measure with some important games on the horizon. Douglas Hughes took his place.
The Atoms were grateful to Ian Studholme for defending their lead. He made a great save when one on one with Wolviston’s Aaron Dale when the striker looked certain to score.
Further goals looked likely and It was Hughes who made his presence felt in the 68th minute. Reece Fretwell, who had replaced Matt Metcalf on the hour mark, found himself in space on the right. He fired a great cross to Hughes who guided the ball into the net from close range.
The Atoms were shaken two minutes later when Wolviston reduced the arrears. They broke down the Windscale left side delivering a tempting cross into the box which was met by Scott Ryan who promptly fired the ball into the back of the Atoms net.
It was Hughes again who restored the Windscale advantage. A cross from Ross Leeson found Hughes who had created some space in the penalty area, and he fired beyond Coils from 12 yards.
Wolviston reduced the arrears through substitute Sam Thompson with 20 seconds of normal time remaining.
The Atoms comfortably saw out the remaining playing time despite the match official finding an inordinate amount of additional minutes.
The Atoms now look forward to next weekend’s Alan Hood Trophy semi-final when they entertain Silksworth at the Falcon Complex, 2:00 pm kick off.
