FC Isle of Man’s first game of 2026 ended in a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Burscough in a tense NWCFL Premier Division clash.
The game’s only goal came on the stroke of half-time, as Burscough’s Tom Croughan finished calmly after a swift counter-attack that started from an FC Isle of Man corner.
The first half had been a tight affair but the Ravens almost took the lead in the 27th minute, but Shaun Kelly’s volley from ten yards sailed over the bar.
Moments later, Burscough’s Callum Laird was sent through on goal at the other end, only to see his deflected effort clip the inside of the post and roll across the line before being cleared.
The second half followed a similar scrappy pattern.
The Ravens came closest to an equaliser on 67 minutes when an effort from another dangerous Shaun Kelly long throw-in cannoned back off the crossbar.
Despite a late spate of possession and pressure from the home side, including attempts from Tiernan Garvey and substitute João Marques, a disciplined Burscough defence held firm to secure the three points.
FC Isle of Man’s next match is away against West Didsbury & Chorlton on Wednesday January 21.
