FC IOM go top after winning seven goal classic

Doyle hat-trick helps secure sensational comeback win

FC Isle of Man will go into next week top of the NWCFL Div 1 South after an enthralling 4-3 victory at home to West Didsbury & Chorlton last night (26 February).

Just two points separated the two teams going into the match with West Didsbury & Chorlton in top position and the Ravens a close second in the table.

The first 45 minutes was a shining example of why both teams held the top two positions in the division - with endless energy, intensity and desire from both sides.

It was the visitors who drew first blood on 17 minutes when a lofted free kick, from the right, found striker Joel Swift at the far left post to power a header in from close range.

This sparked the first of several wild celebrations from the near 200-strong travelling West Didsbury & Chorlton support who provided plenty of passion and voice throughout the evening.

With neither side dropping in quality or focus, throughout the first half, it took one key mistake on 39 minutes when Ravens man Dan Simpson was brought down by the WDC goalkeeper, Andrew Jones, in the area with the referee pointing to the penalty spot.

Up stepped Sean Doyle who calmly stroked the ball into the top left corner sending Jones the wrong way.

But the away side regained the lead on the stroke of half time when a cross from the right wasn't dealt with in the FC IOM six-yard area and WDC winger Harry Cain slid in at the back post to tap into the net from two yards.

2-1 up at half time West Didsbury & Chorlton then extended their lead to 3-1 on 54 minutes.

Ravens defender Sean Quaye scuffed a clearance from a long ball down the right and the ball sailed back over him to Dointai Gabidon who coolly chipped it over FC IOM keeper, Matthew Quirk, into the net to spark more wild scenes among the travelling fans.

With the league leaders then starting to command the tempo of the game it took a costly mistake by WDC to get the Ravens back in the game 10 minutes later.

A long range effort from Chris Cannell was spilled by Jones in the WDC net and the loose ball was pounced upon by Doyle to pass into the net all alone.

The game was poised for a big finish from then on and the Ravens dramatically got an equaliser on 90 minutes.

A long throw from Dan Simpson, into the area on the right wing, evaded everyone except substitute Furo Davies who struck a low half volley into the bottom corner much to the delight of the huge turnout of FC IOM fans.

But the madness wasn't over there as FC Isle of Man then produced a Hollywood finish with 94 minutes on the clock.

A wicked cross from Ste Whitley, from the right, was met six yards out from goal by Sean Doyle who rose above his man and smashed a thunderous header into the net to secure his hat-trick sparking delirious celebrations around The Bowl.

The final moments of a captivating game saw the Ravens hold on for the 4-3 victory which was met by a deafening roar from the home supporters at the full time whistle.

The win means FC IOM go one point above West Didsbury & Chorlton to the top of the NWCFL Div 1 South but with WDC still having three games in hand.

FC Isle of Man's next game will be against Cheadle Heath Nomads at The Bowl next Saturday (5 March) at 6.30pm

Attendance: 2,395

Man of the Match: Sean Doyle (FC Isle of Man)