Windscale were denied progression in the Alan Hood Charity Cup after going down 4-2 at South Moor.
The Atoms are still adjusting to the restructuring of the team following the departure of six players due to retirements, injury and movement to other clubs.
Despite the result, the squad with an average age of 23 showed some signs of improvement from the previous Wearside League fixtures.
With the determination displayed yesterday they are capable of turning their fortunes around.
On a difficult surface South Moor’s early ball tactics proved to be the better option then the Atoms possession build up play.
South Moor broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through Ryan Allan.
The Atoms almost gained parity in the 29th minute. A shot from Reece Fretwell smashed against the post, with the ball rebounding to a Moor defender.
Such is the Atoms’ luck at the minute, the ball was moved quickly forward to Allan, who fired home his and South Moor’s second goal.
The hosts had the opportunity to increase their lead two minutes later when they were awarded a penalty but Windscale keeper Levi McAdam made a good save to keep the score 2-0 at the break.
Early in the second period, Windscale were awarded a corner kick when the Moor keeper infringed the newly introduced eight second ball retention law.
Harry Hodgson headed the resultant kick narrowly wide of goal.
South Moor increased their lead 10 minutes into the half following some indifferent defensive play by the Atoms, gifting the ball to Drew Lake who guided it beyond McAdam.
Windscale reduced the arrears in the 70th minute when Hodgson pounced on a mistake by a Moor defender to fire the ball into the back of the net.
South Moor regained their three goal advantage in the 75th minute through Riley Smith.
Credit to the Atoms who continued to challenge, undeterred by the 4-1 goal differential.
They were rewarded for their endeavours in the 88th minute when Jack Wordsworth curled a delightful ball into the top right hand corner leaving Moor keeper Logan Hewson grasping at fresh air.
Although a disappointing outcome it was a promising performance by the Atoms squad which contained six Under-21 players.
They have the opportunity to get some points on the board next Saturday when they entertain Hartlepool Youth at the Falcon Complex, kick-off 2pm.
Here’s Stephen Fawcett’s views:
