Windscale exorcised the ghost of last week’s defeat to Wearside League leaders Hartlepool with a 1-0 win at Shildon.
The Atoms started the game on the front foot, with Ben Graham, Joe Phillipson, Reece Fretwell and Lewis White all troubling the Shildon defence.
Against physical opponents and a dubious playing surface, Windscale took an early lead through Matt Metcalf.
Following a defensive error due to Windscale’s high press game, Metcalf latched onto a loose ball and from a tight angle fired it beyond Shildon custodian, James Bell.
The host’s best moments came from set pieces, delivering quality balls into the box from corners or free kick situations.
The Atoms defensive shape dealt competently with these and retained their 1-0 lead at the break.
In the second period Windscale continued to be the dominant team but failed to put the result to bed. The usually reliable Graham failed to convert two chances when clear on goal against Bell.
Lewis Jolly and Graham both provided scoring opportunities with balls across the face of goal which only required a touch from a teammate but went unrewarded.
Shildon continued to pump long balls forward in the hope of bringing parity to the score.
However, their physical approach resulted in three yellow cards and a sin bin offence. Atoms’ Kieran Fraser also went into the referee’s book after replacing Matt Sempill late in the game.
It was a satisfactory result for Windscale which sets them up for the quarter final of the Shipowners Cup next Saturday when they visit Hartlepool Youth FC.
The opposition are currently in second place in the division below the Atoms and remain unbeaten in their league programme so it will be a tough test.
