Windscale, last year’s winners of the Alan Hood Memorial Trophy, lost their grip on the trophy when they travelled to League high fliers Durham Corinthians and went down 3-1 in the second round.
It was a poor first half from the visitors as they were losing 3-0 at the break after they appeared to totally disregard the game plan that had been discussed prior to kick-off.
Corinthians are a competent outfit, currently sitting second in the league, and their quality showed early in the game. Jake Robinson, with a header and Josh Clark, gave the hosts a 2-0 lead inside the first 12 minutes.
The Atoms had created two great chances themselves, from Lewis Jolly and Ross Leeson which, if they had been successful, could have seen the position reversed.
Corinthians increased their lead through Max Stoker in the 39th minute giving them a 3-0 advantage at the break.
Following some harsh words during the break, the Atoms were a different team at the commencement of the second half.
They were on the front foot for a long time, however, they were unable to pierce a well organised Corinthian backline until the 66th minute.
A low shot into the far corner by Atoms Man of the Match Harry Hodgson, beat Corinthians keeper Harry Renwick to give the Atoms some semblance of hope.
However, a repeat of last week’s recovery from a 4-0 deficit by Windscale was not to be, their hopes of retaining the trophy ebbing away with the score remaining 3-1 to the hosts at the final whistle.
This was the Atoms third consecutive away fixture and travelling with a reduced squad, the commitment by the players was evident particularly in the second half of the tie.
They will be tested again on Tuesday night when they travel to Penrith FC for their tie in the Fred Conway Cumberland County Cup.
You can hear manager Stephen Fawcett’s view below:
