Windscale picked up their first Wearside League win of the season with a 2-0 success last night at Willington.
In the early stages both teams were having spells of possession, but any efforts on goal were ably dealt with by both keepers.
It was the Atoms who seized the initiative, taking the lead in the 10th minute. Lewis Jolly’s effort, following a short corner was parried by the Willington custodian, and Ray Sempill picked up the loose ball to deposit it into the net.
Jolly had an opportunity to double the lead six minutes later but headed over the bar from five yards following a cross from Laurie Black to the far post.
Black almost became provider for Willington when a poor back pass to Andrew Begbie exposed the Atoms back line, with Begbie having to concede a free kick to avert the danger.
The Atoms continued to create the better chances, but efforts from Lewis White, Coady Scott, Sempill and Jolly again failed to find the net.
Approaching half-time, Willington were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box following a challenge by Ross Leeson, but fortunately for the visitors the resulting effort was high over the crossbar.
Just prior to the break a Jolly effort found the back of the net only for it to be ruled offside, as the Atoms retained their one goal advantage.
There were a handful of chances for Willington in the first 10 minutes of the second period, but Atoms keeper Lee Jolly and centre-back Steve Walker competently dealt with the danger.
Windscale reasserted their authority following this, with front men Lewis Jolly and Black keeping the Willington defence on their toes.
With 15 minutes to go Matt Metcalf, returning from his Big Apple jaunt, replaced Black and the points were ensured with five minutes left thanks to Man-of-the-Match Reece Fretwell.
After losing his marker Jolly fired in a low cross which was partially cleared, but Fretwell collected and calmly jinked his way around for defenders before slotting the ball home for a well-deserved three points.
The Atoms host Wolviston at the Falcon Complex on Saturday with a 2.30pm start.
