Windscale snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when they won 2-1 at the Wearside League’s highest ground above sea level, Annfield Plain’s Derwent Park.
The playing surface was not in the best condition and the teams had to contend with every aspect of weather thrown at them during the game, sunshine to hail.
However, it was an improved performance by the Atoms following a disappointing result midweek against Barnard Castle, without it being a classic.
Windscale battled away, carving out a number of good chances during the first half only to be thwarted by Annfield Plain’s keeper Dominic Flood.
Likewise, Windscale were also grateful to custodian Levi McAdam for keeping the score line blank, making a couple of excellent saves, one in particular from Aylan Jackson when he was through one on one with the Atoms keeper.
The efforts of both keepers ensured they both retained clean sheets at the break.
The second period mirrored the first 45 minutes with the Atoms controlling possession.
Their determined approach continued and looked to have paid dividends on the hour mark. Travis Fyfe managed to plant the ball beyond Flood, only for the goal to be ruled out by a dubious offside flag from the assistant referee.
The omens did not look good when Plain took the lead in the 80th minute.
Following an Atoms goal kick, the ball was won in the centre circle by Annfield’s Rueben Scotter. His header forward was picked up by ex-Boldon Northern League player Josh Wilde.
Advancing to the edge of the Windscale penalty area, Wilde fired the ball into the bottom corner of the Windscale goal.
The setback only strengthened the Atoms resolve. With 88 minutes on the clock a free kick, awarded 30 yards from goal, was delivered into the box by Reece Fretwell, where Louie Hall’s header hit the back of the Annfield net to bring the scores level.
It was Owen Woodburn who claimed all the points for the visitors a minute into added on time. Another ball floated into the box saw Woodburn this time, rise above everyone to head the ball beyond a stranded Flood.
The goal initiated manic celebrations from the bench and management team, with assistant manager Panda Richardson’s sprint to the corner flag matching anything from Usain Bolt.
The win, that looked highly unlikely with only two minutes of normal time to play, was just reward for a battling Atoms performance.
They have a free Easter then travel to meet South Moor who will provide stern opposition the following weekend.
Here’s manager Stephen Fawcett’s views below:
