Windscale played only their second game of the year in the Wearside League and were pleased to earn a deserved 5-1 home win over Annfield Plain.
A minute’s silence was held prior to the start of the game as a mark of respect for Annfield’s Marshall Lawson following his recent funeral. He had been the driving force for the club for many years.
Rusty Windscale had only played an earlier home game resulting in a 3-1 defeat by Willington with two other scheduled away fixtures postponed due to weather conditions.
Indeed the Atoms appeared to be on track for another defeat when they went behind in the 2nd minute. James Barrett, took advantage of some lack lustre defending around the penalty area, and deposited the ball beyond keeper Levi McAdam before he had time to get his gloves dirty.
This trait has been a recurring theme with Windscale during the season but credit to them they reacted positively to the setback and began to dominate play.
A number of chances were created, one effort striking the crossbar. Parity was eventually achieved in the 6th minute. Lewis Jolly delivered a free kick into the penalty area which was headed home by Ray Sempill beyond Plain’s lively keeper Daniel Brenkley.
A minute later Windscale took the lead when Aiden Keg picked out Owen Woodburn some 30 yards from goal and he lifted the ball over the head of the on-rushing Brenkley, to nestle in the back of the net.
The lead was increased virtually from the re-start of play. Jolly picked up the ball and after driving forward unimpeded, rounded Brenkley to slot the ball home.
Jolly was causing havoc with the Annfield back line, creating space for a shot which he dragged wide of the target, while another effort was cleared off the line by a defender.
It was not all one way traffic as Windscale appeared to go off the boil, taking their foot off the pedal to allow Annfield to create some problems with their aggressive play.
They had a spell midway through the half where they began to dominate but were not helped by some wayward shooting and last ditch Atoms defending, with any on target efforts capably dealt with by McAdam.
It was Woodburn who provided a three-goal cushion shortly before the half-time whistle. The visitors were unable to clear a Jolly corner kick effectively and following a goalmouth scramble, Woodburn turned the ball home to give the Atoms a welcome 4-1 lead at the break.
Atoms manager Stephen Fawcett must have been frustrated with the first 15 minutes of play after the re-start. Instead of kicking on to retain control it was Annfield who began to establish a level of dominance.
Fawcett made a couple of substitutions to reinvigorate his team, a move which proved to be beneficial with Windscale taking up the initiative again.
Despite the improvement in dominance, Windscale were only able to add to their tally ten minutes from the end.
They had created numerous scoring opportunities, striking the woodwork twice, Brenkley also keeping the score down with some capable saves however, far too many opportunities were squandered with some rushed finishing.
It was Jolly who notched the final goal. After breaking up play on the edge of the Atoms box, Rob Davidson carried the ball forward to Harry Hodgson who after skipping passed his marker, set up Jolly to complete his brace.
It was a satisfactory and well deserved three points for the Atoms who on another day could have achieved double figures.
They are at Silksworth next weekend, always a tough place to visit. The Atoms are one place above them in the League table on goal difference so it should be a close call.
