In what can be classed as Windscale’s ‘local Wearside derby’, they travelled across to the North East to take on Richmond Town and shared the spoils in an exciting 3-3 draw.
Windscale nearly opened the scoring in the first 20 seconds of the game when they created a great chance from the kick off. Matt Metcalf stretched to volley a shot just inside the penalty area, but the ball flew inches wide.
The game had a great tempo from the start. It was instantly an end-to-end contest as both teams looked to threaten the opposition on the break.
Richmond danger men, Taffari Nichols, was their main threat. In the 26th minute he was deemed to have been tripped in the box as the referee awarded the penalty. Nichols picked himself up to convert the spot kick.
Richmond doubled their lead minutes later from a corner as Josh Fullarton headed home Eddie Lexington’s cross. At 2-0 down it was beginning to look like a lost cause for the visitors.
Windscale were indebted to keeper Andrew Richardson who made a couple of great stops to prevent Richmond increasing their lead.
The Atoms fighting spirit brought them back into the game. They launched an attack from the right hand side where Laurie Black drilled a low ball across the six yard box. It caused some confusion within the Richmond defence, which allowed Will Rooke to tap the ball home.
Windscale were clearly lifted by this goal. A minute later, it was Black who restored parity. Following an Atoms attack, he arrowed a shot into the top corner from the edge of the box giving Lansdell the Richmond custodian no chance of saving.
After an indifferent start the Atoms were delighted to take the 2-2 score line into the half-time break.
Windscale made two changes in centre midfield at the resumption of play. In a bid to bring structure to the team out of possession, Joe Phillipson and Cameron Carter were introduced and had an instant impact both on and off the ball.
The Atoms then took the lead in the 55th minute. Lewis Jolly was set free down the left and following some neat footwork, he cut in and unleashed a powerful shot into the bottom corner to put the visitors 3-2 ahead.
Windscale continued to create three or four great chances which they unfortunately failed to convert. The best falling to the usually reliable Jolly who sent the ball well over from nine yards out. Carter also forced an excellent save from the Richmond keeper.
It was the turn of the hosts to ask the questions of the Atoms defence and some last ditch defending was required to maintain the lead.
But Richmond brought the scores level again with 20 minutes remaining. A cross from the right by Brad Galloway was headed into the back of the net by Chris Hope.
With 15 minutes left both teams continued to create chances but neither could find the winning goal. It was a great game for the neutral and probably the right result in the end.
