Ravens edged out at home by Ramsbottom United

FC Isle of Man beaten by league leaders in cagey contest

FC Isle of Man were left to rue a number of late missed chances as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to NWCFL Premier Division league leaders Ramsbottom United at The Bowl this evening (5 October).

In a largely uneventful first half, Thomas Hoyle's composed close-range volley gave the visitors the lead on 38 minutes.

The second period belonged largely to 'The Ravens' in which a Jack McVey free-kick cannoned off the post and Sean Doyle was denied a late header by a brilliant stop by Ramsbottom's Bradley Rose.

The result sees the Island side drop one place in the table to sixth on 27 points, only behind FC St Helens in the final promotion play-off spot on goal difference.

Tonight's meeting under the floodlights saw a meeting of two sides hoping to keep up strong respective runs of form in the league from the previous month.

A cagey first period offered very little for spectators to get excited about until the deadlock was suddenly broken with seven minutes of normal time remaining before the break.

A deflected Harvey Hayhurst cross from the left fell to Hoyle who - unmarked six yards out - calmly side-footed a volley past FC Isle of Man goalkeeper, Adam Killey into the bottom corner.

The second period saw a marginal shift in tempo as FC Isle of Man began to control possession to try and break down a resilient and well-organised Ramsbottom United defence.

On 62 minutes, the hosts won a free-kick 20 yards out with McVey's resulting effort curling around the wall before striking Rose's right-hand post.

In another half where clear-cut openings were in short supply at both ends, FC Isle of Man must've thought they'd snatched a point with three minutes to go.

However, Doyle's point-blank header from a cross from the left was sensationally tipped over the bar by Rose.

Ultimately, the away outfit would hold out to extend their lead at the top of the division to four points whilst FC Isle of Man drop on goal difference out of the promotion play-off spots.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against Cheadle Town on Wednesday, 9 October, kicking-off at 7.45pm.

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