Five-star FC Isle of Man hammer Longridge Town

Higgins, Pinnington and Adebiyi all on target in dominant win

FC Isle of Man emphatically brought an end to a run of back-to-back defeats as they cruised to a 5-2 win away at Longridge Town in the NWCFL Premier Division this afternoon (22 November).

The Manx side were two goals up inside the opening six minutes courtesy of goals from Charlie Higgins and Dean Pinnington before a Karl Clark own goal gave their hosts a route back in shortly into the second half.

Adam Adebiyi then netted twice for the Manx side before Higgins added a fifth with just over ten minutes to go.

A late Longridge Town consolation from Matthew Van Wyk gave the Lancashire outfit a second but it wasn't enough to stop 'The Ravens' sweeping to victory on their travels.

With just 30 seconds on the clock, the Island visitors struck the first blow with FC Isle of Man's top scorer, Higgins slotting home to grab his 14th goal of the campaign so far.

And just five minutes after that, Higgins turned provider, sending Pinnington through on goal who fired past goalkeeper, Kai Crowe to double 'The Ravens'' early lead.

In response, the hosts began to apply more pressure, forcing FC Isle of Man stopper, Adam Killey into a number of stops heading towards the half-hour mark.

Following half-time, Longridge Town made the brighter start and pulled a goal back nine minutes after the restart when Muhammed Haji's cross was met by FC Isle of Man defender, Karl Clark who inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net.

But almost instantly, FC Isle of Man restored their two-goal cushion as Adebiyi fired in around a minute later at the other end.

With 20 minutes to go, Adebiyi was among the goals again, this time after Ste Whitley kept in a cross out wide before pulling one back for the striker who converted once again for the Manx side's fourth of the afternoon.

Next to secure a brace was Higgins in the 78th minute as he added a fifth with a deft lob over Crowe to put FC Isle of Man firmly in the driving seat heading into the final ten minutes.

The hosts were then able to grab a late consolation in the final minute of normal time through Matthew Van Wyk, but it wasn't enough to Rick Holden's FC Isle of Man side grabbing an important three points on the road.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away to Prestwich Heys on Saturday, 29 November, kicking-off at 2pm.