Lacklustre FC IOM held to goalless draw by Cammell Laird

Ravens drop points for first time this year

A below-par FC Isle of Man had to settle for one point as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Cammell Laird last night (12 February).

Kick-off was delayed by 40 minutes due to delays to the flight carrying the visiting team earlier in the day.

A slow opening saw the visitors see the best two chances of an uninspiring first half.

Cammell Laird’s Ryan Smith blazed a half-volley over the bar from around 15 yards with two minutes gone, before firing a fierce effort from the left of the penalty area moments later which forced Ravens ‘keeper, Dean Kearns, into a strong save at his near right post.

What followed was a remaining first period for two sides struggling to find rhythm and a cutting edge in the final third.

Neither Kearns or Cammell Lairds stopper, Nathan Davidson, were forced into meaningful saves as a despondent 1,200-strong crowd craved better quality.

The Manx side did start the second half slightly brighter, with a Sean Doyle header on 48 minutes going straight at Davidson from close range.

But The Bowl had to wait almost another 20 minutes before two major chances within moments of each other.

A Cammell Laird corner from Joseph Downey on 65 minutes was whipped in and met by the head of Jack Wood whose glancing header tipped the top of the crossbar from six yards out.

Then, just 60 seconds or so later, it was FC IoM’s turn to hit the woodwork when a pinpoint cross from Dan Simpson from the left found Michael Williams in the area whose powerful header smashed the underside of Davidson’s crossbar.

Despite that brief uplift in excitement, the Ravens found themselves unable to find their top gear for the remainder of the second 45 as a resilient and disciplined Cammell Laird held on to claim a point at the full time whistle.

FC Isle of Man’s next game takes place this afternoon (13 February), once again at The Bowl against Eccleshall, kicking-off at 1.45pm.

Manx Radio will once again providing full live match commentary of today’s clash on our AM1368 and Digital platforms

Attendance: 1,203

Man of the Match: Dan Simpson (FC Isle of Man)

Photo credit: Gary Weightman Vannin Photos