Windscale endured another heart-breaking penalty shoot out defeat which saw them exit the Monkwearmouth Cup at the semi-final stage.
Travelling to Hartlepool with a depleted squad due to injury, sickness and work commitments, this was the Atoms eighth away fixture in their last nine games.
Despite the draw-backs these limitations presented, the visitors produced a battling performance, taking high flying Hartlepool to the wire. The game finished 0-0 at the end of normal time with the hosts eventually progressing to the final with success from the penalty spot.
Hartlepool potentially considered this would be an easy passage as they had defeated the Atoms 6-1 at home in a League fixture a couple of weeks previously.
This was far from the case, despite having the majority share of the ball in the early stages, they were unable to penetrate a resolute visiting defence. Windscale began to string together some good play but were unable to seriously threaten the Hartlepool goal.
The Atoms case was not helped on the half hour when midfielder Joe Phillipson, playing an uncustomary role at right back was forced to leave the field due to injury. Doug Hughes slotted into the role and proved to be a worthy substitute.
Ben Graham was denied a scoring opportunity for Windscale when he was pulled back by a Hartlepool central defender, the offender earning himself a cation. The Atoms’ Kieran Fraser was also cautioned prior to the interval, reacting to some overzealous physical treatment.
The second period saw Hartlepool come close in the 52nd minute when they struck the bar, the only real effort with which they had troubled Atoms keeper Ian Studholme up to then.
With 25 minutes left, Hartlepool’s central defender was dismissed for a poor challenge on Ben Graham. Despite the numerical advantage, Windscale were unable to benefit as Hartlepool set out their stall not to concede.
With the tie a 0-0 stalemate following the end of normal time, the hosts eventually progressed 4-2 in the dreaded shoot-out.
Despite the disappointment of losing in two semi-finals, Windscale still have the Final of the Alan Hood Charity Cup to look forward to, opposition, date and venue yet to be confirmed.
The Atoms have a welcome home game on Saturday against Darlington RA, kick-off 2pm at the Falcon Complex.
