Match Report | AFC Liverpool (H)

The Bowl was the stage for an extraordinary finale on Saturday evening as FC Isle of Man overcame adversity to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over AFC Liverpool in the NWCFL Premier Division. In a game where all three goals came in stoppage time, The Ravens displayed resilience and determination, claiming a crucial win despite being reduced to ten men for over 30 minutes of the second half.

The match began with FC Isle of Man dictating the tempo and creating a flurry of chances. Early on, Adam Adebiyi’s determination set up a chance for Charlie Higgins, whose skilful forward drive ultimately came to nothing as the visitors cleared their lines.

Ste Whitley, a constant threat throughout the evening, came agonisingly close in the 12th minute, rattling the crossbar with a curling strike from 30 yards. Jacob Crook also threatened in the 24th minute, cutting in from the left and unleashing a near-perfect effort that whistled just wide.

The Ravens’ momentum was interrupted late in the half when Kyle Watson went down injured in the 44th minute. After lengthy treatment, it became clear he couldn’t continue, and Jack Camarda came on as his replacement. Despite the setback, FC Isle of Man pushed forward, but AFC Liverpool’s defensive discipline kept the game goalless at half-time.

The second half began under worsening conditions, with strong winds and driving rain adding to the challenge. The Ravens pressed on but were dealt another blow when striker Adam Adebiyi received a controversial second yellow card in the 57th minute, leaving the hosts with ten men for the remainder of the game. Despite being down to ten men, their determination to find a breakthrough remained strong, even as injuries began to pile up

Callum Sherry was then forced off in the 72nd minute after treatment, replaced by Ronan McDonnell. Later, Camarda, who had already come on as a substitute, required treatment and was replaced by Danny Gerrard in the 86th minute. Despite these setbacks, the team held firm defensively while continuing to push forward for a late goal.

With five minutes added on, the intensity reached fever pitch. In the 94th minute, The Ravens finally broke the deadlock. A cross caused chaos in the AFC Liverpool penalty area, and Jacob Crook, sharpest to react, poked the ball home to send the home crowd into raptures.

However, the celebrations were very short-lived. Just a minute later, AFC Liverpool equalised in dramatic fashion. A free kick from the left was floated into the box, and Elliot Taylor smartly turned to drive the ball through a sea of legs and into the net, silencing the home support.

But the night truly belonged to FC Isle of Man. From the restart, the ball was initially played back to Jack McVey, who looked to pick out Ste Whitley on the right. The pass was intercepted and partially cleared by the AFC Liverpool defence, but the loose ball fell kindly to Danny Gerrard. He quickly shifted possession to Ronan McDonnell, who threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the AFC back line. Luke Booth’s clever dummy then drew two defenders out of position, creating the space Whitley needed. He burst into the box, held off his marker, and from a tight angle, fired low past Harry Campbell in the 98th minute, sparking wild celebrations.

Tempers flared at full-time, with both sets of players involved in a heated exchange that was diffused quickly, leading to an AFC Liverpool player being shown red after the final whistle.

Jacob Crook was deservedly named Man of the Match for his tireless performance and crucial goal by match sponsors Paramount City Coffee House and Barbers. This win could prove to be a turning point for The Ravens as they aim to build momentum when they host Irlam next Saturday at The Bowl, with kick-off at 6pm.