Windscale’s penultimate fixture, a 1-0 defeat to Norton ensured that the Atoms would mean their target of a top 6 finish could not be achieved.
It was a frustrating game for both sides producing some bizarre decisions by the match official.
Both teams suffered from some inconsistencies, Windscale on the end of the majority of these throughout the game.
The visitors were no way at their best and Norton also suffered from some strange decisions. Norton are a good well run club and a sizable crowd also questioning the performance of the referee.
The hosts appeared to be more up for the game not having played for a week or so and came out of the traps looking to secure a win.
They had the opportunity to take the lead midway through the first half when after a good move the ball was blazed well wide of the goal when a score appeared to be the likely outcome.
Shortly after the Atoms had a goal disallowed much to the amazement of all in attendance.
Lewis Selkirk picked up the ball off a defender, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home, but the match official subsequently disallowing the effort.
When questioned about his decision at half time he said it was for a pull on a Norton Players shirt – strange when Selkirk was ahead of his opponent prior to advancing onto the keeper. The half time period passing with the score still 0-0
Windscale were much better in the second period and were still in the game hoping to gain something from the game.
Norton took the lead when Jake Stott picked up the ball wide in his own half, after moving across the pitch unchallenged he fired in a low shot from 25 yards which went into goal off the post.
The match official was issuing cards like confetti – three cautions for the Atoms and a sin bin offence, Norton suffering similarly with yellow cards and a sin bin offence in the 75th minute, the player subsequently dismissed for comments he made to the referee following the sin bin offence.
Another strange decision from the match official resulted from a chance for the Atoms by Matty Pierce. He was through on goal when his progress was halted by a challenge from a defender. The defender already on a yellow card was allowed to remain on the field as the match official declared ‘no card was required’.
Windscale rang the changes eventually using all their five substitutes to effect a change.
However, despite making Norton keeper Kieron Ezard make a number of good stops they were unable to gain parity and any hopes of the top six target evaporated.
The Atoms conclude their season this Saturday with a visit to Durham Corinthians who are hoping to secure at least a point to achieve promotion to the Northern League, another challenge for the Atoms.
Here’s what manager Stephen Fawcett said about the game:
