Ten-man Longridge Town sink sorry Ravens

FC Isle of Man slump to first defeat of the 2024/25 season

FC Isle of Man suffered their first defeat of the 2024/25 season as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home to ten-man Longridge Town in the NWCFL Premier Division this evening (10 August).

Harvey Roberts grabbed the first and only goal of the contest just under seven minutes in as Longridge Town capitalised on a rare mistake from FC Isle of Man goalkeeper Adam Killey.

The visitors then had midfielder Jacob Bridges sent off for a second bookable offence in the 67th minute as the Manx side searched for a leveller.

However, a dogged Longridge Town defensive display coupled with an uninspired attacking showing from the hosts saw the Lancashire side hold out to claim all three points at The Bowl.

On a sunny evening in the Manx capital, the away side made the brighter start and were rewarded for it with just under seven minutes played.

Killey on the right edge of his box had the ball ripped away from him by Longridge's Matthew Van Wyk who - with the 'keeper in no mans land - squared a pass to Roberts who tapped into an empty net.

FC Isle of Man's biggest opening of the first period came on 27 minutes when a Ste Whitley cross from the right across goal hit the foot of Longridge Town defender Connor Newton before cannoning off the post.

Heading into half-time and after the restart FC Isle of Man pushed back their opponents in possession without doing much to worry Longridge Town stopper Jordan Gidley.

An opening this cagey affair came with 23 minutes to go as Ravens' man Callum Sherry was fouled by Van Wyk with Sherry and Bridges then involved in a coming-together moments after.

Sherry was cautioned whilst Bridges - already on a yellow - received his second booking to see Lee Aschroft's team face a chunk of the game with a one-man disadvantage.

This, however, seemed to have little effect on FC Isle of Man's threat as they continued to be frustrated by their deep-lying counterparts.

The Island outfit may have thought they'd found a way through late on in the 89th minute, only to see a dipping Dean Pinnington free-kick from 25 yards tipped over the crossbar by Gidley in what would be the last notable chance the home side would create.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against FC St Helens on Tuesday, 13 August, kicking-off at 7.45pm.

Man of the Match: Harvey Roberts (Longridge Town)