FC Isle of Man showed great resilience to secure a 1-1 draw against Irlam at The Bowl on Saturday evening in a fiercely contested North West Counties Football League Premier Division battle.
The Ravens started brightly, with their defence standing firm against early Irlam pressure. In the fourth minute, a dangerous attack from the visitors was snuffed out by the ever-reliable Alex Maitland. Just moments later, Irlam thought they had taken the lead when John Johnston slotted the ball home, but the linesman’s flag ruled it out for offside.
The hosts responded well, with a brilliant pass from Jacob Crook finding Ste Whitley, who played in Dean Pinnington for a shot that forced a corner. The resulting set-piece led to chaos in the Irlam box, with home fans convinced the ball had crossed the line, only for the referee to wave play on.
Irlam then struck the woodwork in the 25th minute when Andrew Langford’s header crashed against the post, a major let-off for the Ravens. Jack McVey then went agonisingly close for FC IOM with a strike that whistled inches past the post. The first half ended in controversy, as a reckless challenge on Charlie Higgins saw Irlam only pick up a yellow card, much to the frustration of the home bench.
The second half began with Irlam pressing hard. Mitchell Henry hit the bar inside the opening minute, and Johnston was through on goal in the 48th minute, rounding Killey, but his effort was dramatically blocked off the line by a last-ditch slide from Crook. The visitors’ pressure paid off in the 52nd minute when Johnston fired a curling outside-of-the-foot strike from 12 yards to give Irlam the lead.
Determined not to be beaten on home soil, FC IOM responded immediately. An injury to Luke Booth saw him make way for Tom Creer, and with virtually his first touch of the game, he made an instant impact. Higgins produced a clever flick before skilfully slicing his way through the middle of two Irlam defenders and cutting inside off the right. He poked the ball into the path of Creer’s near-post run, and holding off his man, he slotted home the equaliser to the delight of the drum banging home supporters.
Killey, who was in inspired form, pulled off another outstanding save to deny Irlam, keeping his side level. Maitland continued to be a rock at the back, while Higgins saw an effort well saved up the other end.
Despite a tense final few minutes, neither side could find the decisive goal. Man of the Match was awarded to Adam Killey by sponsors The Atla Group, he was instrumental in securing the point with some superb goalkeeping throughout, ensuring the Ravens came away with a well-earned draw at The Bowl.
FC Isle of Man are next in action on Tuesday night, away at Bury. Kick-off is at 19:45, and there will be updates over on our X.