Windscale were denied their third cup final appearance in the last three seasons losing out in a penalty shoot-out against Silksworth Colliery at their Welfare Park Ground.
Both teams were looking to settle into the game in the first 15 minutes of play, not made easy by a firm bobbly pitch. There was an opportunity for the Atoms in the 23rd minute.
A cross from Lewis Jolly was not gathered cleanly by Silksworth keeper Lewis Charlton, no Windscale player close enough to take advantage.
It was Windscale who took the lead in the 28th minute. A corner from Jolly was headed against the bar by Ross Leeson, Aiden Kegg hammering the loose ball into the back of the net.
Silksworth’s reaction was immediate, winning a series of throw-ins deep into Windscale territory, the visitor’s defence standing firm to avert any real threat on goal.
There was a let off for the Windscale in the 36th minute, a cross from the right finding the head of Jack Sayers his effort flying high and wide of the target.
Kegg’s goal providing the difference between two hard working teams on a less than perfect pitch, the visitors taking their 1-0 advantage into the halftime break.
Virtually from the restart, Windscale were grateful to Fin Stephenson making his first real save of the game, gathering a shot low down to his right hand post.
The Atoms responding well in the early stages of the half, Jolly dispossessing the keeper after he made an error well outside his area, Jolly’s effort just drifting wide of goal.
Shortly after this, Byran Todd picking out a pass to send Jack Wordsworth through, his shot is deflected making the save easy for Charlton.
Silksworth restored parity in the 56th minute. James Burlinson heading home a corner at the back post.
Both teams were now looking to edge in front to book their place in the final. Todd making a goal saving challenge on Silksworth’s Burlinson, the Atoms Stephenson making a great stop from a one on one challenge with Jack Savers.
At the other end, a Jolly cross finding Rhys Singleton, his glancing header drifting wide, a driven cross from Leeson finds Jolly and strikes the crossbar then nestles into Charlton’s arms.
There was no further scoring, the penalty shoot-out required to decide which team progressed to the final. Both teams having their first penalties saved, the contest eventually progressing to a 3-3 score line after each team had taken their allocation of 5, sudden death beckoned.
It was Silksworth’s Charlton who was the hero of the hour saving the last 2 Windscale efforts leaving the score at 4-3 to the hosts.
A disappointing result for the Atoms who with a little more good fortune during the 90 minutes could certainly have progressed.
Now they take on the challenge they set themselves at the start of the season to finish in the top 6 within the League table.
They have some tough fixtures ahead, away to Durham United next Saturday with two home games to follow against Annfield Plain and Easington, however they will relish the challenge.
