FC Isle of Man claimed a first win of the new NWCFL Premier Division season on Tuesday, beating Irlam 1-3.
After Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chadderton, Paul Jones made just one change to his squad that saw Dan Hattersley replace the unavailable Luke Murray.
The Ravens settled quickest into the game, with Jacob Crook cutting out a loose pass in the opening moments and linking up with Hattersley, who in turn set free Dean Pinnington, but his cross was cut out in what was a sing of things to come.
As the Ravens began to exert more control, Crook again won a loose ball and set up Charlie Higgins, he managed to create half a yard for himself, but it was turned behind for a corner.
That corner led to another as Crook nearly opened the scoring only for the Irlam defence to head it over the bar.
However their relief was short lived as Jack McVey headed home the next corner from inside two yards to gave the Ravens a well deserved lead inside 15 minutes.
Having looked comfortable, Adam Killey was called into action soon after the goal as he spread himself well to deny John Johnston.
The second goal would come before the break as Charlie Higgins played Ste Whitley in down the right, he drove to the byline and cut it back where Sam Baines was on hand to prod home.
Irlam again reacted to the goal by going on attack, with a mix up at the back resulting in a free kick for the hosts, fortunately the Ravens wall did its job well.
It could have been 0-3 before half time, but Irlam’s Elliot Wynne spread himself well to deny Pinnington.
The second half saw Paul Jones’ side settle well and control much of the ball, but without creating any clear cut chances, even with Higgins trying his luck from halfway.
A triple substitution saw Sean Doyle, Ronan McDonnell and Adam Adebiyi introduced and it wouldn’t take long for the Ravens record goalscorer to get his first goal of the season.
A long free kick from McVey perfectly found Doyle who headed into the top right corner, leaving Wynne with no chance and giving the Ravens a 0-3 lead.
Despite Irlam pulling one back through Declan Daniels, the Ravens back line, especially Al Maitland and McVey, put in a determined performance to ensure the game would end 1-3 to the Ravens.
