FC Isle of Man’s 2025/26 NWCFL Premier Division campaign began on Saturday evening with a frustrating draw with Litherland REMYCA.
With chances at a premium, the Ravens survived a late scare to start the season with a clean sheet.
After a tense opening period, Dean Pinnington had the first sight at goal after Danny Gerrard won the ball in midfield.
Pinnington saw his effort deflected and easily held by Litherland keeper Patrick McLoughlin.
Our first big opening saw Josh Cain and Ben Wosser combine to pick out Ste Whitley, but his effort was well stopped by McLoughlin.
Whitley turned provider for the next good chance as he whipped a ball to the back post where Luke Booth headed wide as he tried to put it back across the goal to McLoughlin’s right.
On the stroke of half-time, Al Maitland headed over from a Pinnington corner, but was perhaps unlucky not to do more while at the other end Joel Ogiugo fired wide when he possibly should’ve hit the target.
In the second half, Litherland took more control in the early stages and could’ve been ahead when a header from a corner back off the post, Adam Killey followed that up with a good stop on the rebound before getting his hands on the ball when a third effort came in.
Kyle Watson, fresh off the bench, had the best opening for the Ravens in the second half as he let fly from distance with McLoughlin doing well to get down to his right and save.
With time ticking away and chances at a premium, Litherland’s Joe Mswale rattled the underside of the bar in added time, but fortunately for the Ravens, the ball bounced down and was cleared.
Attendance: 556
