Windscale had to settle for a point in their Wearside League clash at home to Seaton Crew and although it finished 0-0 it was an eventful affair.
Following their decisive victory over Shotton Colliery two weeks ago, a fixture free Saturday last weekend and a midweek postponement due to the resignation of Bishop Auckland Reserves, Windscale were keen to get back into action.
They entertained Seaton Carew hoping to collect another three points but the visitors’ robust approach to the game indicated this was to be no easy task.
The Atoms opened brightly with Lewis Selkirk being flagged offside in the fourth minute when he was clear on goal.
Stevie Walker was prominent in efforts on the Seaton Carew goal in the 7th and 9th minutes, but both were confidently collected by George Skaife between the sticks for Seaton.
Windscale had to make an early substitution when Rhys Singleton replaced Matty Pierce in the 15th minute.
Home keeper Fin Stephenson was called on to prevent Seaton taking the lead with a great save from a shot by Danny Lambert two minutes later.
The visitors were fortunate to have a full complement of players following a very poor challenge by Matthew Bradley on Jack Wordsworth in the 21st minute.
The referee only issued a caution to Bradley for his two footed challenge and unfortunately this incident set the scene for the remainder of the game.
The Atoms had two opportunities to take the lead prior to the interval. After turning his marker a strike from Selkirk cannoned back off the post. Dan Morgan was also unfortunate to see his effort cleared off the line.
The physical nature of the game continued into the second period. Both sets of players became frustrated, culminating in the issue of three cautions to players from Windscale.
Seaton’s Bradley was eventually dismissed 10 minutes from the end for a second caution following his earlier misdemeanour on Wordsworth.
With Seaton now down to 10 men Windscale were totally dominant, but they were unable to breach the Seaton defence, Skaife was particularly effective collecting any high balls into the area confidently.
The visitors received a further dismissal two minutes from the end when David Earl also received a second caution.
With very little additional time played in a stop-start 45 minutes, Seaton hung on to take a share of the spoils in what was an eventful goalless draw.
Here’s what Windscale manager Stephen Fawcett had to say:
