Windscale AFC vs Durham United
Wearside Premier Division
Saturday 15th February 2025
Flacon Complex
CA14 1QU
14:00
Written by Max Nissim
The scene was set: an 8:45am rendezvous in MC. Red-eyed, dreary, but ready for our pilgrimage to Windscale. Historical ties to the region means that Windscale, despite being based in West Cumbria, play in the Wearside league, meaning an away day consists of a scenic 3-hour drive across the Pennines: the longest trip of the season.
Picked up by a rather suave looking bus driver who had donned the long coat specifically for the game, we were quickly on our way.
Spirits were lifted at our pit stop: a quaint farm shop on the outskirts of Carlisle, where the fresh aroma of manure wafted through the air. With noses wrinkled and excitement brewing, we were raring to go.
Upon arrival, we were met with classic Wearside hospitality: a sticky pitch, a collection of questionable trims (mostly from our boys, however), and an intimate changing room. But the scenic backdrop of rolling hills hinted at the tale about to unfold. The motto painted on the wall captured our mindset: “Don’t let the fear of losing keep you from playing the game.”
Barely five minutes in, we shattered the ‘bus-lag’ stereotype. Ellis Challinor threaded a first-time pass to Chris Seery, who, channeling his inner flair, executed a backheel to Fred Walton. Waltz, displaying composure, slotted it past the keeper with ease. 1-0.
Superfan Oli Greenhow did his best not to do a Jurgen Klopp and pull his hamstring celebrating the early goal, after a particularly strenuous gym session the night before.
Back in the changing room at half time, the belief was palpable.
Half-Time: Windscale AFC 0 - 1 Durham United
Freddie Merrett delivered a rousing halftime talk, complemented by an outstanding selection of sweets. Re-energized, we took to the pitch with renewed determination.
The second half echoed the first: grit, graft, and a midfield masterclass from Alex Dinan and Oscar Cooke.
The defensive line held strong as Windscale pressed for an equalizer. It was not until Paddy Harvey emerged from the bench, where we found our breakthrough. Within 30 seconds of stepping on, his psychological impact was seismic. Dinan and Seery pounced on a loose ball, lofted it to Phil Kay, who produced a delightful dink into the far corner. Game, Set, Match.
As Greenhow attempted a one-man Poznan on the sidelines, the final whistle blew, sealing a 2-0 victory for the 12-man traveling squad. Yet, the best was yet to come; sausages, chips, and arguably the best gravy to ever grace the Wearside league. The second win of the day.
As we prepared for the journey home, we bore witness to another memorable moment: a bride-to-be, limousine and all, arriving to tie the knot at the Windscale FC clubhouse. Romance truly was in the air.
By 7pm, we were back in Durham, exhausted but elated. Now ten points clear at the stop, and a statement victory forged through hard work, meant a trip to Saints was on the horizon.
Full-Time: Windscale AFC 0 - 2 Durham United
***
Player of the Match: Chris Seery: a typically dogged performance from the front-man, with a lovely bit of touch to assist Walton for the first goal.
An honourable mention to Oscar Cooke, who was sublime in midfield, and to Oli Greenhow for transporting precious cargo and supporting the lads.
Line-up: Patrick Dixon; Max Nissim (Yellow Card); Freddie Merrett (c); Ellis Challinor; Ben Pearson; Ryan Cook; Alex Dinan; Oscar Cooke; Fred Walton (Goal); Chris Seery; Phil Kay (Goal)
Substitutes: Paddy Harvey
***
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