Windscale hosted League leaders Durham United losing out 2-0 in a close competitive game.
It was Windscale who were dominant in the first few minutes. Leo Brennan having the first real effort on goal blocked by a United defender.
Durham took the lead in the 5th minute through Phil Kay. A quick raid down the left found Kay free and after carrying the ball into the box directed it beyond Atoms keeper Fin Stephenson and into the back of the net.
Both teams were contributing to an end to end game with some well-constructed attacking moves.
The Atoms were unfortunate not to bring the scores level on a number of occasions.
Rhys Singleton denied an effort on goal by a cynical challenge, Ross Leeson with a shot blocked following a loose clearance from Durham keeper Patrick Dixon, Matty Pierce adjudged offside when meeting a dangerous ball delivered into the box by Byran Todd.
Durham however hanging onto their advantage to take a slender 1-0 lead into the interval.
The second period continuing in the same manner, both teams attempting to create scoring opportunities.
Durham in particular showing why they are sitting top of the League, always being inventive when attacking whilst defending robustly when needed.
The game was virtually taken away from the Atoms in the 72nd minute when the lively Fred Walton registered Durham’s second goal.
Following a move down the centre of the pitch Kay slipped the ball between two Atoms defenders to Walton, who after running onto the ball lifted it over the advancing Stephenson from the corner of the penalty box.
Apart from the goals, nothing much to choose between the teams, Durham’s clinical finishing the difference.
The Atoms travel to take on a rejuvenated Seaton Carew next weekend.
Seaton have recently registered a number of players with Northern League experience so should provide stern opposition.
