FC Isle of Man and Irlam play out stalemate at The Bowl

Two quickfire goals lead to draw in feisty encounter

Two second-half goals in the space of five minutes saw FC Isle of Man and Irlam play out a 1-1 draw in the NWCFL Premier Division at the weekend (1 February).

The visiting side led in the 52nd minute through John Johnston who fired home from 12 yards out after seeing a goal chalked off in the first period for offside.

But five minutes later 'The Ravens' drew level as substitute Tom Creer - moments after coming off the bench - slotted home low from a Charlie Higgins cross from the right.

For the Manx side it marks the first time they've managed back-to-back games unbeaten since November 2024 whilst Irlam's recent undefeated streak stretches to 12 games.

With just four minutes on the clock, Irlam had the ball in the back of the net as Johnston swept in a smart finish after good work from teammate Declan Daniels, only for celebrations to be halted by the linesmen's flag.

During a bright start to the contest, Irlam went close again in the 23rd minute as a corner was met by Andrew Langford who crashed his resulting header off the post.

After a goalless first 45, the away side once again started at pace and rattled the woodwork once more in the first minute of the second half as Mitchell Henry saw an effort come back off the crossbar.

Johnston was then denied at the last moments later as he rounded FC Isle of Man goalkeeper Adam Killey only to see his following strike blocked on the line by FC Isle of Man defender Jacob Crook.

Irlam's persistance was eventually rewarded on 52 minutes as Johnston - having threatened throughout - finally found the net with a well-placed hit from 12 yards or so.

However, having soaked up plenty of pressure, FC Isle of Man fought back just five minutes after.

Higgins evaded two challenges on the right before squaring a low cross to Creer who - having only been on the pitch a matter of seconds having replaced the injured Luke Booth - swiveled and directed a low effort past Irlam stopper, Elliot Wynne.

Despite the efforts of both outfits in the latter stages, neither could find a decisive second with Killey playing a notable role with a number of key stops to deny Irlam late on.

You can hear the full-time thoughts of FC Isle of Man Manager Paul Jones below: