FC Isle of Man unbeaten run ended at West Didsbury & Chorlton

Billy Matthews strike sinks Ravens late on

A late Billy Matthews strike saw FC Isle of Man's recent unbeaten run come to an end as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of West Didsbury & Chorlton in the NWCFL Premier Division this afternoon.

The hosts led after 27 minutes as Tom Murray's thundering drive from 30 yards squirmed under FC Isle of Man goalkeeper Ben Wilkinson.

The Ravens leveled three minutes into the second period as Jack McVey bent home a free-kick from 25 yards.

'West' found the net again though with five minutes remaining as Matthews slotted home to hand the Manx side their first loss in nearly a month.

A very shaky start at the Step Places Stadium saw from the visitors saw West Didsbury & Chorlton awarded a penalty in the opening two minutes.

However, Jordan Lazenbury saw his resulting spot kick cannon off both posts before 'The Ravens' were able to scramble clear.

Just three minutes after, West Didsbury & Chorlton rattled the woodwork as a Max Sutton cross was tipped onto the crossbar by FC Isle of Man goalkeeper Ben Wilkinson.

As the game began to even out, the home side took the lead as a corner was half cleared as far as Murray from distance who fizzed a low strike at goal which crept under Wilkinson to open the scoring.

Needing to find another gear after the break, the Island outfit flew out the traps to get level just three minutes after the restart as McVey on the left curled a pinpoint free-kick past West Didsbury & Chorlton stopper Ollie Martin.

Chances followed at either end but it wouldn't be until 85 minutes were on the clock for a winning moment.

West Didsbury & Chorlton substitute Benjamin Wharton delivered an accurate ball into Matthews who controlled expertly before slotting under Wilkinson to see the hosts reclaim the lead late on.

Paul Jones' side then furiously searched for a late equaliser and nearly found one, only for Ste Whitley to see a driving header denied by a fingertip save from Martin in second half stoppage time.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against Abbey Hey on Tuesday, 24 September, kicking-off at 7.45pm.