Ravens stung by late Skelmersdale double

But FC IoM do win at Longridge on busy weekend

Two late goals saw FC Isle of Man taste defeat for the first time in five games as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at struggling Skelmersdale United yesterday afternoon (28 August).

Despite a match-long push to extend their four-game winning streak against a resilient opponent, the Manx side went behind in the 87th minute courtesy of a strike from Skelmersdale's Joshua Green.

As the Ravens frantically pushed in search of a late equaliser they were then hit with a punishing blow at the other end in the few remaining seconds as Thomas Ward scored in the 93rd minute to hand the hosts their first points and win of the season.

The result sees FC Isle of Man sit fifth in the NWCFL Premier Division after eight games on 15 points.

FC Isle of Man's Assistant Manager, Alex Harrison, gave his thoughts to the club's website after Monday's defeat:

That was the second game in the space of three days on a busy bank holiday weekend schedule for the Island outfit who, in contrast, enjoyed success on Saturday (26 August) with a 2-0 win away at Longridge Town.

Striker Dean Leece scored his second goal in as many games on 18 minutes to give FC Isle of Man the lead before some relentless Longridge Town pressure with the home side striking the post and having an effort cleared off the line as FC Isle of Man held on going into half-time.

Longridge Town continued to hunt an equaliser into the second period but were then pegged back further as a stunning free-kick from FC Isle of Man's Dean Pinnington gave the travelling side a 2-0 advantage.

The Ravens would go on to hold out for all three points despite being reduced to ten men in second-half stoppage time as defender, Eoighan Sherrard was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Longridge Town's Ryan McLean.

FC Isle of Man's next game will be their fifth consecutive away fixture in the league - a re-arranged tie at Wythenshawe Town - which will take place on Saturday, 2 September, kicking-off at 3pm.