FC Isle of Man match abandoned amid high-scoring draw

Serious injury to AFC Liverpool player halts game at 4-4

A serious injury to an AFC Liverpool player saw today's NWCFL Premier Division clash between AFC Liverpool and FC Isle of Man abandoned in the second-half with both sides level at 4-4 at the time.

Dean Pinnington had put the Ravens ahead on 18 minutes with AFC Liverpool's Edan Bavelock cancelling the opener out with a cool finish during the first period.

Level at the break, FC Isle of Man then scored two in quick succession in the second half through Michael Williams and Frank Jones before Andy Kanga Mandjoba pulled another back for the home side.

Pinnington would then score again to make it 4-2 to the visitors but further strikes from the Merseyside outfit from a Brad Shearwood penalty and Daniel Abdous' curling strike made things level at 4-4.

But the game was to end prematurely on a sombre note due to an injury to AFC Liverpool goalkeeper, Harry Deveney, on 73 minutes - Deveney was reported as 'conscious and engaging' at the time the game was called off.

AFC Liverpool started the brightest in the early stages putting an early chance wide after nine minutes before the Manx side began to grow into the contest.

The visitors' increasing pressure then told on 18 minutes as Dean Pinnington cut in from the flank and from the edge of the AFC Liverpool dispatched his resulting effort to put FC Isle of Man in front.

The Ravens continued to ask the questions and push for a second with Alex Maitland going close on 34 minutes heading just over the crossbar from a corner.

But moments after that, the hosts struck back with their first clear-cut opening as Tom Croughan fed through Edan Bavelock who, up against FC IoM stopper, Ben Wilkinson, poked a low effort into the bottom corner to level the game.

The roots of an entertaining encounter had been set in the opening 45, but things went up a gear two minutes into the second half as FC Isle of Man retook the lead with Michael Williams lashing an effort home after being fed through by Pinnington.

Just five minutes after that, the Island side took a two-goal advantage as Frank Jones diverted a header into the back of the AFC Liverpool net.

But that scoreline cushion didn't last long as AFC Liverpool gave themselves another lifeline through a composed, chipped finish from Andy Kanga Mandjoba on 57 minutes for 2-3.

The madness continued three minutes after that as, on the hour-mark, FC Isle of Man restored their two-goal advantage with Pinnington on the scoresheet again, gliding past his marker and in on goal to slot home.

But the same story then hit the Ravens once more as the hosts then won themselves a penalty in the 65th minute with Brad Shearwood stepping up from the spot to convert and bring AFC Liverpool back within striking distance of levelling the game.

To add to FC Isle of Man's frustrations, the Merseysiders then completed another dramatic comeback with 71 minutes on the clock as a flowing attack ended at the feet of Daniel Abdous who curled a fine effort past Wilkinson for 4-4.

But the entertainment was soon cut short as play was halted on 73 minutes after AFC Liverpool goalkeeper, Harry Deveney, went to ground with an injury which required extensive attention.

Due to the severity of the injury the match was then formally abandoned approximately ten minutes later - Deveney was reported as 'conscious and engaging' with both AFC Liverpool and FC Isle of Man wishing him a speedy recovery.

Further details will be given in due course as to whether the 4-4 score will stand or the fixture will have to be replayed.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against Bury on Tuesday, 26 September, kicking-off at 8pm