FC Isle of Man lost 3-1 away at Cheadle Town on Tuesday night as three goals in 11 first half minutes did the damage for the home side.
Despite a spirited second half display, the Ravens were unable to find enough to spoil the party for their Greater Manchester rivals.
The Ravens started the game on the front foot and nearly found a way in when Ste Whitley looked to play Adam Adebiyi in behind.
Having outpaced his defender, Adebiyi’s run was thwarted however by Cheadle keeper James Hodges smothered the ball, catching an accidental boot for his troubles.
After a pause in play while Hodges received treatment, the home side quickly hit their rhythm and went ahead when Edson Cata scored from close range following a cross from the right by Matt Cook.
It was soon 2-0 for Cheadle as a ball over the top was collected by Sheriff Njie who brought it down and fired into the bottom corner.
Njie quickly had his third as he benefited from a great run from Bille Ahmed to again score from close range.
The Ravens had keeper Adam Killey to thank for keeping it at three soon after as Ben Lowe’s long range effort was turned onto the post.
The only efforts coming the way of the Ravens saw Ben Wosser try to find Whitley with a poke across the goalmouth, but the latter wasn’t able to get on the end of the ball.
Whitley then fired over when picked out by Charlie Higgins on the edge of the box after the winger was unable to find space for a shot himself.
Second Half
It was like a different team emerged for the Ravens in the second half as Paul Jones’ men came out swinging and quickly pulled a goal back.
Kyle Watson’s defence splitting ball was collected by Higgins who went on to score past Hodges to make it 3-1.
Higgins could’ve had a second soon after as he got on the end of a Whitley cross, but his flick lacked any power to trouble Hodges.
With the Ravens frustrated by their dogged opponents and frequent marginal offside calls going against them, that goal was to prove the only consolation other than the much improved second half performance.
Killey made a fine save late on to deny Cheadle from their only moment of note in the second half to ensure the game ended 3-1.
FC Isle of Man are back at home this Saturday for the visit of Charnock Richard. That game kicks off at the King George V Bowl at 6pm.
