Bury end FC Isle of Man's four-game unbeaten streak

Superb Burns double sees off Ravens

FC Isle of Man's four-game unbeaten run has been brought to an end after a 2-0 defeat at home to Bury in the NWCFL Premier Division this afternoon (18 February).

Bury took the lead on 51 minutes through Samuel Burns' penalty after he was brought down by FC Isle of Man goalkeeper, Ben Wilkinson.

Burns then scored again with a majestic solo goal with 11 minutes left to halt the Ravens' three-match winning run and send 'The Shakers' back to the top of the league on goal difference.

The clash between the two sides took place with a rearranged 11am start this morning after the original 6pm kick-off slot yesterday (18 February) was scrapped due to travel disruption affecting the visiting Bury side 24 hours previous.

In-front of a near 2,500-strong crowd at The Bowl, FC Isle of Man came close on four minutes as a Dean Pinnington free-kick from the left was met by a powerful Jacob Crook header which just cleared the crossbar.

But that was arguably the most clear-cut opportunity of the entire first period as a cagey but feisty affair played out between the sides with both the hosts and visitors lacking quality in the final third.

Goalless at the break, Bury earned themselves a major opening in the 51st minute.

A hopeful ball over the FC Isle of Man defence was chased down by Burns who reached the loose ball in the FC Isle of Man penalty area before being clattered by Wilkinson with referee, Matthew O'Shea pointing to the spot.

Burns then stepped up from 12 yards and curled his spot-kick past Wilkinson into the 'keeper's bottom left corner to open the scoring.

This seemed to galvanize Bury further - Burns was then sent through on goal again against Wilkinson 15 yards out seven minutes later but the attacker's looping effort sailed just wide of the post.

FC Isle of Man then had Wilkinson to thank on the hour-mark as a low Declan Daniels strike at the near post was strongly parried after another slick attacking Bury move.

With 79 minutes gone, Bury then found another moment of magic to seal the contest.

A long ball over the top from Oliver Kilner found Burns between two FC Isle of Man defenders with Burns then rounding the onrushing Wilkinson before steadying himself and executing a deft looping finish over three players into the top corner.

Elsewhere - in a second half where they'd struggled to test the Shaker's defence, FC Isle of Man came close to grabbing a consolation in the 85th minute, but Frank Jones' well-struck half-volley from 25 yards could only clip the top of the Bury crossbar.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against Kendal Town next Saturday (24 February), kicking-off at 3pm.

Man of the Match: Jacob Crook (FC Isle of Man)