Windscale’s horrendous first half performance virtually handed the Wearside League points to the current leaders Gateshead Leam Rangers at the end of the first 45 minutes.
The home side took a 4-0 lead into the break and although Windscale improved in the second half it finished 6-1 to the Rangers.
Yussef Hakmaoul grabbed Gateshead’s first in the 9th minute with Jordan Reed doubling their advantage four minutes later.
To add to the Atoms woes, Hakmaoul completed a first half hat trick with two further strikes in the 21st and 38th minutes to give the hosts an impressive lead to take into the break.
Whatever was said in the away change room at half time certainly invigorated the Atoms as in the first 15 minutes following the turnaround the scores could have been level.
The usually reliable Ben Graham just failed to convert a great opportunity, however shortly after this he reduced the arrears hitting the back of the Leam net.
Graham was beginning to exert his influence and Gateshead were indebted to keeper James Bolton making two superb saves when Graham found himself in good scoring positions.
Despite the upturn in Windscale’s influence on the game, they were hit by two late goals. Reed scored his second in the 78th minute and Joe Riley completed the 6-1 score line with two minutes left to play.
The Atoms take on Silksworth Colliery Welfare at the Falcon Complex on Saturday with a 2-00pm kick-off and hopefully the chance to lick their wounds and produce an improved performance.
