Irlam late show denies FC Isle of Man victory

Higgins double cancelled out in draw at The Bowl

A Mason Everton strike deep into second-half stoppage time saw FC Isle of Man held to a late 2-2 draw at home to Irlam in the NWCFL Premier Division tonight (6 December).

Charlie Higgins' low drive from 20 yards in the 17th minute put 'The Ravens' ahead before Callum Sandle poked home a low effort for the visitors six minutes later.

Higgins then netted again from the penalty spot on 70 minutes to restore FC Isle of Man's lead before the striker then missed from 12 yards six minutes after that.

Pushing for a late leveller, Irlam found one in the third minute of added time when Everton lashed home a half-volley inside the area to see the points shared.

Whilst both sides found themselves at opposite ends of the table this weekend, both FC Isle of Man and play-off contenders, Irlam were both hoping to bounce back from defeats in their previous respective league outings.

In the opening ten minutes, Irlam twice threatened - first a Jack Mitchell cross from the right on seven minutes deflected goalwards off FC Isle of Man captain, Michael Williams before being punched away by goalkeeper, Adam Killey.

Two minutes later, Mitchell was sent through one-on-one with Killey on the counter-attack, only for a heavy touch from Mitchell to allow Killey to come out and smother on the edge of the penalty area.

Against the run of play, FC Isle of Man then took the lead on 17 minutes as Higgins picked up the ball around 30 yards out before darting past a tackle and arrowing a low drive into Irlam goalkeeeper, Elliot Wynne's bottom right corner.

But the hosts' lead didn't last long as six minutes after, a long Alex Francis cross over the FC Isle of Man defence fell to Sandle who - under pressure from defender, Karl Clark - tapped a low effort under Killey and in off the foot of the woodwork.

As a more physical contest unfolded in the second period, FC Isle of Man were awarded their first penalty of the night with 20 minutes remaining when Wynne was adjudged to have brought down substitute, Adam Adebiyi after the striker's shot from a tight angle a few yards out.

Higgins stepped up and sent Wynne the wrong way from the spot whilst diverting his strike into the bottom corner.

FC Isle of Man were then awarded another spot-kick seven minutes later when Clark was tripped in the Irlam box after the away side had failed to fully clear a corner.

Higgins was given the task again, but spurned his opportunity for a hat-trick as his panenka penalty clipped off the crossbar back to him with Higgins nodding in and the follow-up being disallowed.

With the Manx side having a slender lead to defend late on, Irlam pushed for another leveller and found it with 93 minutes played.

A Lucas Edwards corner from the right wasn't entirely dealt with and - after a small scramble - the ball fell the way of Everton who struck a vicious half-volley through the bodies and into the net for a second equaliser.

With the contest shaping up for a draw, Irlam then missed a glorious chance to snatch all three points with the last kick of the game when substitute, Declan Daniels on the left squared for John Johnston who - from around 15 yards out and Killey to beat - skied his effort high over the crossbar.

The full-time whistle followed straight after to confirm honours would be even under the floodlights.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be at home against AFC Liverpool on Saturday, 13 December at The Bowl in Douglas, kicking-off at 6pm.

Man of the Match: Charlie Higgins (FC Isle of Man)