FC Isle of Man’s tricky start to the season continued as we fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Glossop North End in an entertaining NWCFL Premier Division clash at The Bowl.
Despite an improved performance going forward, the team were left to rue missed opportunities as our winless run stretched to three games.
The visitors started brightly, with Jacques Etia going close early before hitting the woodwork with a clever set-up for Lewis Reilly.
Glossop took the lead in the 34th minute when captain Oliver Parker showed great composure to control and finish from 12 yards after a smart move down Glossop’s right.
However, the lead lasted just two minutes as Charlie Higgins produced a moment of magic, slaloming past multiple defenders before drilling a low shot into the far corner to level the game at 1-1.
The second half saw Glossop regain the lead, with Lewis Reilly’s 25-yard free-kick restoring their advantage.
FC Isle of Man pushed for an equaliser but struggled to break down a disciplined defence.
Hopes for a comeback suffered a major blow when substitute Aeron Bardsley made it 3-1 with a clinical finish late on as he fired low across the goal into Killey’s far corner
There was still time for late drama as Luke Booth headed home deep into stoppage time, but it proved nothing more than a consolation for the Ravens.
While the result leaves the Ravens still searching for a first win of the season, the performance offered encouraging signs ahead of a crucial run of games.
Glossop, meanwhile, celebrated their first victory of the campaign.
The Ravens’ next game is tomorrow night away at Irlam, kick off 7:45pm, updates will be available through our Twitter (X) from 7pm onwards.
