Windscale’s recent run of good form was ended with a 5-2 defeat at Silksworth’s Welfare Park.
It was a disappointing performance on the occasion of team manager Steven Fawcett’s 200th game in charge.
On what is usually a difficult surface to play, a controlled passing game the conditions were the same for both teams.
Silksworth’s get it forward quickly approach found the Atoms failing to rise to the challenge of the hosts strong start to the contest.
The warning signs were there early, due to some lacklustre defending, Silksworth hitting the crossbar a couple of minutes after kick-off.
The stand out player on the day was Silksworth’s Lewis Connelly who won everything in the air and generally dictated the flow of play.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 13th minute.
A back pass from Ray Sempill falling short enabling Harry Fisher to steer the ball beyond Levi McAdam. The scores were level two minutes later.
A Ross Leeson long throw-in was nodded to the back post by Owen Woodburn, Travis Fyfe having the simple task of tapping the ball into the back of the net.
The Atoms had a chance to take the lead shortly after the goal.
Reece Fretwell dispossessing Silksworth centre back Josh Perry on the edge of the penalty area with his subsequent shot scrambled away by keeper Tom Morrison, Jayden Fulton unable to convert, pushing the loose ball wide of goal.
Silksworth regained the lead in the 25th minute. After some good play down the wing, the cross from the left was headed home by the unmarked Connelly.
Parity was restored in the 40th minute from the penalty spot. Fyfe picking himself up from the unlawful challenge to fire the ball beyond Morrison.
With only two minutes of the half remaining, the Atoms failed to see the game out until half time.
Silksworth were gifted another goal allowing them to take a 3-2 lead into the break.
Two Atoms players rising together failed to clear a long high ball, the resultant miscommunication providing an opportunity from 20 yards which was dispatched beyond McAdam.
The second period was a mirror image of the first 45 minutes.
The Atoms were unable to raise themselves to the level of commitment and dedication which has served them so well in recent fixtures.
Silksworth added two further goals in the 67th and 78th minutes to deservedly take the three points.
The Atoms have two away fixtures remaining to see out the season.
They travel to league champions Seaton Carew next Saturday with their final fixture the following Wednesday a trip to take on Barnard Castle.
Two difficult opponents against who an improved performance will certainly be required.
Hear Fawcett’s views below:
