FC Isle of Man narrowly beaten at West Didsbury & Chorlton

Late Whitley and Williams strikes not enough to avoid defeat

A late charge from FC Isle of Man wasn't enough as the Manx side fell to a 3-2 defeat at West Didsbury & Chorlton in the NWCFL Premier Division last night (21 January).

The Island side's hosts led after ten minutes thanks to a Kaleb Parkinson strike and doubled their lead in the 20th minute through a Ben Elliott finish.

A long-range hit from Jack Banister secured a sensational third for the home team in the 73rd minute before FC Isle of Man got one back with eight minutes left through a Ste Whitley penalty.

Another FC Isle of Man strike from Michael Williams in the second minute of second-half stoppage time reduced the deficit again but couldn't stop 'The Ravens' falling to a third straight league defeat.

Wednesday night's meeting at The Step Places Stadium saw West Didsbury & Chorlton hoping to further cement their place in the promotion play-off places against a visiting team hoping to end a run of back-to-back losses.

The hosts struck quickly with ten minutes gone when Parkinson received the ball on the right edge of the box before bending an effort into the corner with the help of touch off the post.

Ten minutes after that, 'West' took further early control when a Jordan Lazenbury pass found Elliott in space who calmly slotted under FC Isle of Man goalkeeper, Adam Killey for a second.

The remainder of the first half seemed largely cagey as both teams settled, with FC Isle of Man's best chance in the first 45 coming two minutes before the break when a free kick from FC Isle of Man debutant, Will Decandia found Williams whose header towards goal was tipped away by West Didsbury & Chorlton stopper, Ollie Martin.

Following an uneventful start to the second period, it would take until 73 minutes played for another breakthrough and it once again came the way of the home side, with Banister grabbing his third goal in two games against FC Isle of Man by finding the net from distance with a stunning half-volley from around 35 yards.

With a late mountain to climb, FC Isle of Man grabbed a lifeline in the 82nd minute when FC Isle of Man substitute, Jamie Cadwallader was brought down by Martin, resulting in a penalty to the visitors which Whitley duly converted.

In the second minute of stoppage time, 'The Ravens' set up a nervy last few moments when Williams rose highest to head home a second for FC Isle of Man, but it would prove not to matter as West Didsbury held out for maximum points to keep up their perfect home record against the Manx side.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be at home against South Liverpool this Saturday (24 January) at The Bowl in Douglas, kicking-off at 6pm.

Manx Radio will be providing full live match commentary on our DAB and AM1368 channels.