Windscale lost 2-0 in the Wearside League at Annfield Plain, but in a game which they will feel they should have had something.
The Cumbrians missed a great opportunity to take the lead in the first minute. Following some neat inter-passing from midfield, the usually reliable Lewis Jolly scuffed his shot enabling Plain keeper Ian Costello to collect comfortably.
The host’s route-one game plan was to launch long diagonal balls. The strategy almost paid off early in the game and the Atoms grateful for Andrew Richardson’s alertness in goal nullifying any chances.
Windscale right back Ross Leeson had a couple of chances marauding forward, both of his efforts missing the target.
Annfield took a 1-0 lead just before the interval with the first of two goals from Callum Lishman. From a high ball into the box, he managed to get goal side of the Atoms defence to nod the ball beyond Richardson.
After the resumption, the Atoms had the better of the play and had two great chances to draw level.
Ben Graham worked a one-on-one with Costello, before guiding his effort beyond the keeper only to see the ball strike the post.
Minutes after this Jolly worked a great scoring position from wide. After out-smarting his marker, he pulled the ball back from the goal-line presenting Matty Pierce with a chance from six yards. Pierce chose not to shoot, instead laying off a pass to Graham whose shot went wide.
Annfield doubled the host’s advantage midway through the half. A high ball into the Atoms penalty area was headed goal ward, where Richardson’s fingertips prevented the goal. However, the alert Lishman pounced onto the loose ball to tap it into the back of the net.
Windscale kept plugging away but to no avail, with a potential three winnable points slipping away.
They face another away trip on Wednesday, their third in eight days. This takes them to meet championship seeking Norton and Stockton Ancients, a challenge the Atoms will relish.
