Windscale finished the year off with a three-point Christmas present, the result of a close 1-0 victory over Richmond Town in the Wearside League.
There was a period of applause, respectfully observed from both teams, the match officials and spectators prior to kick-off
It was in celebration of the life of Martin Donald who died last week. Martin was pivotal to promoting youth football at Windscale and the driver for the upgrade of the club facilities.
The game was a delight for neutral spectators with end to end play and numerous scoring opportunities created by both teams. Windscale notched the only goal of the game five minutes prior to the turnaround.
In an eventful first 25 minutes the Atoms were unfortunate not to register at least one goal, hitting the post then crossbar and the Richmond defence clearing two efforts off their goal line.
The visitors also had their moments,when the Atoms grateful to their keeper Fin Stephenson making good saves from James Stanger and Patrick McCowie.
It was McCowie who was the most wasteful for Richmond during the contest, firing three chances high, wide and not very handsome when he looked odds on to score.
The deadlock was broken in the 40th minute by Lewis Jolly.
Atoms Man of the Match Reece Fretwell floated in a free kick to Mathew Pierce Richmond shot stopper Bruno Frankland made a great save from Pierce’s goal-bound effort but unable to secure the ball, Lewis Jolly pouncing to slot home.
The second period continued to follow the same pattern but despite the efforts of both teams neither were able to have an impact on the score line.
The Atoms were worthy of the points due to shading the greater number of scoring opportunities created.
With a three week break from fixtures, Windscale’s first two games in 2025 will be interesting.
They travel to South Moor on January 11 and entertain Silksworth the following Saturday.
To hear what manager Stephen Fawcett thought of the game you can listen below:
