FC Isle of Man put in a valiant performance under the lights at The Bowl, but despite dominating large parts of the game, they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by league leaders Ramsbottom United. A series of heroic saves from Ramsbottom goalkeeper Bradley Rose proved decisive as the Ravens were left wondering how they didn’t take at least a point from the contest.
The intent of the two inform sides was clear from the outset. Early on, FC Isle of Man’s Adam Killey was called into action, making a sharp save to deny Ramsbottom after just 13 minutes. Minutes later, Charlie Higgins surged forward down the left, but his cross was easily gathered by Rose, who would go on to have an outstanding game.
It took until the half hour mark for the home side to get their first real opportunity to test the visitors. Higgins found space after a Ramsbottom corner was cleared to him, but as he drove forward, a last-ditch challenge from the Ramsbottom defence brought him down, resulting in a free kick. Jack McVey’s strike cleared the wall but lacked the power to trouble Rose in the Ramsbottom net.
Despite the Ravens controlling much of the possession, it was Ramsbottom who struck first. A deflected cross from the left fell to an unmarked Thomas Hoyle in the 38th minute, and the Ramsbottom forward calmly volleyed the ball past Killey into the bottom corner.
Just before the break, the Ravens almost responded. A powerful header from Ben Wosser looked destined for the back of the net, but Rose made an incredible save to deny him.
After halftime, FC Isle of Man came out with renewed determination, looking to press the league leaders and find the equaliser. The introduction of Seán Doyle and Luke Booth on the hour provided fresh attacking impetus, and within minutes, Booth was fouled just outside the box, offering the Ravens another chance from a set piece. Jack McVey stepped up once more, but his curling effort rattled the woodwork and went out for a goal kick.
As the game entered the final 10 minutes, the tension at The Bowl was palpable. The home crowd, energised by the relentless drumming of the the 12th man, pushed the side forward. In the 84th minute, Sherry’s cross-come-shot from the right almost caught Rose off guard, but the Ramsbottom keeper parried it away for a corner. From the resulting McVey delivery, Wosser connected with a header that many thought had crossed the line, but the referee waved away all the appeals.
FC Isle of Man continued to pile on the pressure, and in the 87th minute, they came agonisingly close to levelling the score again. Another corner from McDonnell was met by Jacob Crook, whose bullet header seemed destined for the net, only for Rose to somehow produce another remarkable save, scooping the ball up, off his line and over the bar.
As the game entered seven minutes of added time, the Ravens refused to give up. Booth fired a shot over the bar, and a minute later, Alex Maitland had a golden chance just 10 yards out after being teed up by McDonnell, but he was off balance and his shot flew just over the crossbar.
The relentless efforts of FC Isle of Man, backed by their passionate supporters, couldn’t break down the Ramsbottom defence, and despite dominating much of the game, the league leaders held on to secure a narrow win.
Despite the disappointment of the result, FC Isle of Man can take great heart from their performance. We are next in action on Wednesday evening, 9th October, away at Chealde Town. The game kicks off at 19:45 and we will have live updates throughout on our X.
Attendance: 980
Balthane Storage Ltd Man of the Match: Jacob Crook
