Windscale’s depleted, injury-hit squad travelled across to promotion seeking Darlington Town eventually ending up on the wrong end of a 7-0 Wearside League score-line.
It was always going to be an uphill battle against a polished and clinical side who started the game well scoring two quick goals through Elliott Pledger and Liam Waters as a consequence.
The Atoms responded with a couple of opportunities from Lewis Selkirk and Kieron Fraser which troubled the Darlington keeper but failed to get beyond him.
Darlington added two further goals to give them a 4-0 interval lead as Pledger notched his second and Owen Lister added his name to the scoresheet.
The second period was a more balanced game. The Atoms created three good chances. One was an effort from Fraser that cannoned back into play off the Darlington crossbar, while the two other chances were claimed by the Darlington custodian.
However, it was Darlington’s clinical finishing that took the game away from the visitors. Jim Wilson scored a brace and Joe Beauchamps completed the scoring.
Windscale travel again on Saturday to take on Maryport Athletic in the outstanding quarter final tie of the Fred Conway County Senior Cup. The winners will be rewarded with a home tie against holders Workington Reds in the semi-final.
- West Cumbrian neighbours Cleator Moor Celtic and Whitehaven were both denied games in the West Lancashire League as their opponent’s pitches were waterlogged.
