Windscale extended their unbeaten 13 game run with another win when they travelled to meet South Moor and scored the only goal of the game.
It was a hard-earned, but deserving victory particularly as the west Cumbrians had to play with a man short for over 60 minutes.
This win took them into 4th position in the Premier Division and as they are currently engaged in the Wearside League’s three cup competitions, it’s a very a creditable situation at this stage of the season.
On a compact pitch, the surface of which was not conducive to a passing game, the Atoms had to produce a battling performance to claim the spoils.
Both sides were committed from the start in what turned out to be a physical contest. South Moor had the best of the opening exchanges as Windscale adapted to the surface and the hosts close on a couple of occasions early in the game but were unable to convert either of them.
The Atoms task was not helped when club stalwart Ryan Fitzpatrick was dismissed for an off-the-ball incident in the 27th minute. Despite this Windscale managed to negotiate their way to the break with their goal intact.
What was said at half-time appeared to galvanise the ten men. From the re-start the Atoms were on top and looked the most threatening of the two teams.
They took the lead in the 48th minute when Ross Leeson delivered a quick throw into Reece Fretwell who found Lewis Jolly wide on the right.
Jolly took the ball forward, leaving South’s defender Harry Thompson in his wake and deposited the ball into the bottom corner of Curtis Richardson’s goal and give the visitors the lead.
The Atoms continued to be the major attacking force, creating several chances but unable to find the target. Jolly had a field day down the flank and fired over on two occasions. Stevie Walker also went close with a spontaneous effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Unsurprisingly the imbalance in numbers began to show as the game progressed which enabled South Moor to look the more dangerous.
They created two excellent chances flashing the ball across the front of the Atoms goal, Leeson made an incredible goal line clearance from one, preventing South Moor from achieving parity. A further chance shaved Lee Jolly’s crossbar in the Atoms goal.
Windscale were denied a penalty when Ray Sempill appeared to be pulled down in the area as he was about to strike at goal, leaving the Atoms contingent amazed that the appeal was waved away by the match official.
Following this there was very little drama left in the game and the Atoms saw it through for another important win.
They are in Fred Conway Cumberland Cup action this Wednesday evening when they entertain County League Premier Division side Maryport Athletic at the Falcon Complex with a 7.30pm kick-off.
Following this, on Saturday they continue Wearside League action when they entertain Annfield Plain, this game kicking off at 2pm.
