FC Isle of Man fall to defeat at Trafford

Ravens suffer first loss of 2026/27 season

FC Isle of Man have suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 season after a narrow 1-0 loss at Trafford in the NWCFL Premier Division this afternoon (29 August).

The first and only goal of the game came courtesy of Ryan Brooke who found the net on 22 minutes.

During the contest, 'The Ravens' did have chances of their own through the likes of Charlie Higgins and Tomas Brown but were unable to find a way through a stubborn Trafford defence.

In what was the first ever meeting between the two sides, the result could see Trafford move to within a point of top spot by the end of the day depending on results elsewhere.

The hosts started brightly and took the lead on 22 minutes when Ryan Brooke swept home a strike at the far post from a Bile Ahmed cross.

With the home side providing the greater threat going forward, FC Isle of Man were reduced to little in the way of first-half chances to trail at the break.

After the restart, the Manx side resumed with intent with Charlie Higgins coming close with two opportunities in the opening ten minutes of the second period.

With 69 minutes on the clock, Trafford threatened at the other end with Lewis Jacklin seeing a half-volley at the back post blocked by a combination of FC Isle of Man's Karl Clark and Adam Killey.

Into the last 15 minutes and it was the home side finding another gear to up the pressure on FC Isle of Man.

However, the visitors carved out a chance of their own with nine minutes of normal time left, but Tomas Brown could only divert a header from a few yards out straight at Trafford stopper, Connor Beard.

Into added time at the end of the second half and both sides went in search of goals, however, neither were able to find a telling touch late on as the final whistle heralded FC Isle of Man's first defeat of this new campaign.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against Abbey Hey on Tuesday, 1 September, kicking-off at The Abbey Stadium at 7.45pm.