FC IoM's 100th goal of season enough to see off Brocton

Sean Doyle scores again to secure sixth straight victory

FC Isle of Man's 100th goal of the season was enough for a narrow 1-0 victory away at Brocton this afternoon (5 February).

The Ravens travelled to Staffordshire on the back of five consecutive wins and sitting second in the NWCFL Div 1 South table.

The Manx side had to weather some strong pressure from the hosts in the early stages of the game at Silkmore Lane Sports Ground.

However, the Island visitors were able to take the lead on 27 minutes when top-scorer, Sean Doyle, nodded home a header from close range from a Lee Gale corner.

His finish establishes a landmark for the club as their 100th goal of the campaign in all competitions.

This seemed to spur FC IoM into some more life as they created a series of half-chances leading up to the break, before going into half-time with the slender 1-0 lead.

The Ravens started the second half with good tempo with chances falling to the likes of Michael Williams and Alex Maitland in the opening five minutes of the second period.

However, Brocton remained resolute and continued throughout the second 45 to try and break down the FC IoM defence in search of an equaliser.

The Ravens nearly doubled their lead on 68 minutes when a volley from Williams on goal was blocked on the line before Brocton 'keeper, Tony Allsopp, was able to gather.

The final ten minutes saw The Ravens have to soak up sustained pressure from the home side with the feeling a goal either way at this stage would decide the ultimate outcome.

However, FC IoM were able to hold firm and full time saw them hold on for a 1-0 victory which marks their sixth straight win in 2022.

As a result, the Manx outfit retain second place in the NWCFL Div 1 South table.

Next week sees The Ravens with a double-header next Saturday and Sunday (12-13 February) at The Bowl against Cammell Laird and Eccleshall respectively.

The game against Cammell Laird will kick-off at 6.30pm on Saturday, 12 February, whilst the clash against Eccleshall will get underway at 1.45pm on Sunday, 13 February.