Saturday’s journey to Annfield Plain completed Windscale’s Wearside League games for the current season.
The 1-1 draw was a commendable effort by Windscale who after a great start to the season experienced a drop in form, the result of a limited squad and an unforeseen injury crisis after the Christmas break.
They can take consolation from their victory in the Harry Hood Charity Cup final, before a well-earned summer break and they can look forward to taking up the challenge again next season.
With nothing to play for in the game and the humid atmosphere it was not surprising that the game lacked high energy levels from both teams.
The only action of note in the first 20 minutes was a water break for the players due to the heat. The Atoms chose to replace keeper Andrew Richardson at this point allowing regular custodian Lee Jolly to take the gloves for his last appearance for the club.
Windscale almost took the lead in the 44th minute. Lewis Selkirk delivered a corner to the feet of Ray Sempill, and the ball eventually found Will Rooke who managed to miss the target from six yards.
The visitors subsequently took the lead in the time added on for the earlier water break. Selkirk received the ball from Steve Walker, cut inside his marker and found the back of the net by giving Plain’s keeper Ian Costello no chance to prevent the score. It was 1-0 to the Atoms at the break.
Annfield Plain came close to levelling the scores in the 54th minute, when Jolly was called upon to make an incredible save from a shot by Connor Brown.
The hosts eventually restored parity in the 64th minute with a strike from Jack Watson. The Annfield man looked well offside in the build up to the attack but the match official awarded the goal.
The Atoms were now in search of a winner. Matt Metcalf shaved the bar in the 72nd minute and Selkirk brought the best out of Costello two minutes later to keep the Plain level.
At the other end Jolly was called upon to prevent the Atoms going behind with another great stop from Watson.
The final chance of the game fell to Selkirk who was put through by Reece Fretwell, and the effort on goal was blocked before being put out for a corner kick.
Including cup fixtures, this was the Atoms 23rd away fixture, clocking up over 4,700 miles in the process. Brian Deakin, M&I Travels usual driver for these trips, was rewarded by the players for his diligence over the season on the drive home.
