After the disappointing result in their previous game against South Moor, Windscale needed a win to get their season back on track.
Hosting Richmond Town they had to come from behind and earn a 2-1 Wearside League win.
They made a shaky start to the game, conceding a goal from James Stanger in the 4th minute of the contest.
The Atoms struggled to get to grips with their own formation in the first quarter and despite controlling the majority of the possession, they had difficulty in retaining the ball.
Far too often, Richmond with their pace upfront and Declan Brown’s prompting from midfield, exposed the hosts defence numerically.
Following adjustments to the formation by the management team some stability was provided and Windscale began to get a foothold in the game.
They started using the ball better, picking up runners more effectively but were still fortunate to go into the half-time break with only a one goal deficit.
Following some strong words at half-time things began to improve.
Although Richmond continued to threaten on the break, the Atoms started to ask questions of Karl Latchem, the visitors’ keeper.
Parity was restored in the 63rd minute when Jack Wordsworth fired the ball back into the penalty area following a clearance from a corner kick.
Latchem spilled the second effort and Lewis Selkirk gratefully slammed the loose ball into the back of the net.
Windscale took the lead six minutes later when again Wordsworth sent in a teasing delivery which Latchem clawed away from his goal.
His effort to clear only found the head of Aiden Kegg who powered the ball home.
Richmond continued to press and threaten the Atoms goal, their cause not helped when Brown was dismissed for a second yellow card with 15 minutes to go.
Both teams continued to create chances with Ben Mahaffy firing wide in the 85th minute and Latchem saving another Mahaffy effort a minute later.
It was Richmond who posed the most threat as the game entered additional time.
Bailey Proudlock sent a centrally placed free kick 25 yards from goal well over the crossbar.
It looked odds on Richmond would draw level when Edward Lewington was sent wide down the right.
After cutting in he sent the ball wide of the far post from the corner of the six yard box with only Atoms keeper Levi McAdam to beat.
It was not the best of performances by the Atoms but a demonstration of their character and commitment particularly when things are not going well during a game.
Windscale fully deserved the victory but Richmond must be given credit for their performance which on another day may have given them the victory.
The Atoms have a really tough fixture on Saturday when they travel to take on current League leaders Gateshead Leam Rangers.
Hear from Stephen Fawcett below:
