Following their mid-week goal feast against Willington, Windscale were involved in a much tighter contest against visiting Wolviston, and it finished in a 1-1 stalemate.
The game plan deployed by Wolviston became evident from the kick-off with 11 men stationed behind the ball at every opportunity. As a consequence, the Atoms had the greater share of possession but were unable to break down a resolute Wolviston defence.
Too often Windscale were guilty of knocking wasteful long balls forward which were easily dealt with by the visitors back line.
The Wolviston squad had some experienced Wearside players in their ranks and took the lead in the 24th minute with a perfect counter attacking move.
Dan Morgan failed to effectively clear a long ball into the Atoms half with Matthew Bendelow picking up possession for the visitors. He advanced one on one with Lee Jolly and although his chip over the Atoms keeper came back off the post, Callum Blair had followed up the attack and he slotted the ball into the empty net.
Windscale became slightly more effective and thought they had restored parity in the 34th minute. Wolviston keeper Jon McLone, failed to claim a high cross into the penalty area, the ball sailing over his head into the back of the goal.
The ‘goal’ was strangely disallowed by the assistant referee for what he interpreted as obstruction on the keeper, so Wolviston retained their 1-0 lead at the break.
The Atoms were more positive following the re-start and were back on level terms in the 53rd minute. A long throw-in from Ross Leeson was chested down by Reece Fretwell into the path of Lewis Selkirk who slotted the ball beyond McLone.
Wolviston were then subjected to some serious pressure by the Atoms with Lewis Jolly having his effort cleared for a corner. Matt Metcalf and Steven Walker both had headers come back into play off the crossbar.
Windscale were piling men forward seeking a winning goal but were grateful to Lee Jolly who blocked a good scoring opportunity for the visitors when Blair was through on goal.
Wolviston could have snatched it at the death, but Mathew Bendelow was denied by a last ditch tackle from Walker as the ball was squared across the front of the six yard box.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Atoms who missed out on the chance to improve their position in the table. Wolviston, who could only field the bare eleven players, can take credit for their performance, sticking to their game plan to claim a well-earned point.
Windscale entertain Richmond Town next Saturday, the game kicking off at 2.30pm.
