Windscale’s third away game on the bounce saw them maintain their winning streak with a narrow 1-0 victory at Seaton Carew.
The 28 degrees heat required drinks breaks to keep players hydrated and the winning goal didn’t come until added time at the end.
It was the visitors who created the first opportunity in the fifth minute after some good inter-play between Laurie Black and Matty Pierce. It ended with Black getting to the bye line, pulling the ball back across the face of goal for Leo Brennan who just failed to convert.
It was Stevie Walker who produced the next opportunity for the Atoms. He made a penetrating run forward from his usual central defender position and following a 1-2 pass with Brennon, he unleashed a powerful shot from 15 yards, and Jack Robinson the Seaton Carew keeper produced an outstanding save to prevent a score.
The hosts created a good chance, working the ball forward with the final shot not troubling Atoms custodian, Lee Jolly, as the effort was wide of goal.
Front men, Lewis Jolly and Brennan, set up the next chance for the Atoms. Jolly was sent through on goal with his shot from the edge of the box clearing the Carew crossbar. The half time interval arrived with the Atoms mystified as to why they were not at least two goals to the good.
The second period was mainly non-eventful, with Windscale always looking the most likely to break the deadlock. The host’s main opportunities came from set pieces, their strategy of sending long high balls forward floundered with the Atoms Man of the Match Walker, dealing capably with these and nullifying any threat.
Seaton claimed a penalty following a low ball into the Atoms penalty which saw Robbie Lithgoe go down as he attempted to get on the end of the pass, but the protests waved away by the official.
The Atoms usual possession game was floundering, due to bad decision making or wayward passing of the ball. Seaton were content to see two free kicks from the edge of their box wasted as the delivery was poor.
There were nine minutes of additional time due to water breaks and injuries and it was during this period the Atoms scored the crucial goal. Lewis Selkirk delivered a pin point corner onto the head of Pierce who despatched the ball home from the six yard line.
With a further two minutes left to play, some good work from Selkirk sent Pierce through with only the keeper to beat, Robinson made another great stop to prevent the Atoms doubling their advantage.
Windscale keeper Lee Jolly was rarely troubled and it would have been disappointing had all three points not been secured. Credit to the travelling squad who were down to the bare bones for this fixture and the heat didn’t make it easy for them.
Windscale entertain Durham United at the Falcon Complex next Saturday with a 2pm kick-off.
