FC Isle of Man held to draw in season opener

Ravens and Litherland share spoils in goalless stalemate

FC Isle of Man have begun their 2025/26 season with a 0-0 draw against Litherland REMYCA in the NWCFL Premier Division this evening (26 July).

During a frenetic curtain-raiser to the campaign, 'The Ravens' had their chances with Ste Whitley, Luke Booth and Ben Wosser all coming close to breaking the deadlock during the first half.

Their visitors, meanwhile had opportunities of their own with both Hugo Rodriguez and Joseph Mwasile hitting the woodwork in the second 45.

Tonight's stalemate marks the first draw between the two sides in seven meetings and a first clean sheet in 23 outings for the Manx side.

It would take until the 17th minute of this evening's encounter for the first clear-cut chance when a cross from FC Isle of Man's Josh Cain over the Litherland defence found Whitley who controlled his shot on the edge of the box before being denied at close-quarters by Litherland stopper, Patrick McLoughlin.

Whitley then nearly became provider as he provided an inviting cross from the left on the counter-attack to Booth who, a few yards out from a tight angle, sent a glancing header wide of McLoughlin's right post.

Following the break, it was Litherland who emerged brighter and threatened inside six minutes of the restart when a corner from the right was met by Rodriguez whose header slammed off the right post of FC Isle of Man 'keeper, Adam Killey from around ten yards.

Much of the second period saw both sides working hard to break the deadlock but with a lack of quality evident in the final third.

In the third minute of second-half stoppage time, Litherland came agonisingly close to a winner.

Another Litherland corner caused problems for FC Isle of Man who failed to clear their lines, and a cut back from the right edge of the box found substitute Mwasile who crashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar from around twelve yards out.

The full time whistle blew just three minutes later for a result that would also mean FC Isle of Man register a goalless draw for the first time in more than 80 matches.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against FC St Helens on Tuesday, 29 July, kicking-off at 7.45pm.