FC Isle of Man soundly beaten at Nelson

Ravens concede four on day to forget in Lancashire

FC Isle of Man endured a day to forget as they fell to a comprehensive 4-0 defeat at Nelson in the NWCFL Premier Division this afternoon (12 September).

The hosts deservedly led in the first half when Max Cane found the net on 16 minutes with Sefton Gonzales doubling Nelson's advantage before half-time.

Luke Hepple added a third for 'The Admirals' just after the hour-mark before a Billy Priestley header made it four late on during a short phase in which defender, Karl Clark was in goal for FC Isle of Man due to an Adam Killey sin bin.

It marks a second defeat of the campaign for the Islanders and their heaviest loss so far in the early stages of the campaign.

The home side were quick out the blocks to put the pressure on FC Isle of Man and didn't need long to make it count.

On 16 minutes, a corner floated into the FC Isle of Man box wasn't cleared, allowing Cane slot the ball home for Nelson and open the scoring.

Just past the half-hour mark and Nelson struck again, this time Gonzalez picking up the ball in space before driving a strike home to double the hosts' advantage.

After the break, there was no let up from the home side which continued to dominate and added again to their advantage with a third as Cane became provider to feed Hepple who turned the ball into the net for 3-0.

Things then went from bad to worse for the Manx side with around 15 minutes to go when goalkeeper, Adam Killey was sin-binned for dissent and, as a result, defender, Karl Clark was called in to take up goalkeeping duties for a short time late on.

Whilst Clark impressed as a stand-in stopper in the few minutes before Killey was allowed to re-enter the field, producing more than one credible save, he couldn't deny Nelson adding a fourth to their tally when Priestley rose highest from a corner to find the target from a few yards out to complete a resounding success for the hosts.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be at home against Charnock Richard on Saturday, 19 September, kicking-off at 6pm.