Late Ramsbottom United strike sinks FC Isle of Man

Pinnington screamer not enough to prevent Ravens' first loss this season

A late strike deep into second-half stoppage time saw FC Isle of Man suffer their first defeat of the season last night (2 August) as they went down 2-1 away at Ramsbottom United.

The Manx side found themselves behind after just three minutes after Maine Walder's close-range finish.

Despite struggling to find rhythm for much of the game, the Ravens drew level in the 89th minute courtesy of a sensational 30-yard free-kick from Dean Pinnington.

But FC Isle of Man's hopes of earning a late point were dashed in the 95th minute when Ramsbottom United substitute Conal Gallagher converted a composed effort to hand the home side all three points.

Both teams took to the field at the Harry Williams Riverside Ground having had contrasting fortunes on the opening day of the NWCFL Premier Division campaign four days ago.

The visiting FC Isle of Man squad were hoping to build on a hard-earned first-game victory over Wythenshawe Town whilst Ramsbottom United were out to avenge a hefty defeat to newly-promoted Wythenshawe FC last Saturday (29 July).

The home side flew out the traps from the first whistle and took a deserved lead after just three minutes as a cross from the right found Ramsbottom United's Maine Walder who, from close-range, coolly swept home the long ball to hand the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Despite the quick start, Ramsbottom United began to sit deeper as the first-half minutes went by with FC Isle of Man then starting to grow into the game.

The Raven's came close in the first period on several occasions, with the likes of Michael Williams and Dean Leece both being denied by good saves from Ramsbottom stopper, Ryan Hamer.

The Island side ultimately trailed at half-time despite having a more positive end to the first 45 - heading into the second half, however, the visitors struggled to build on that.

Ramsbottom United started to re-assert some control and nearly found a second on 62 minutes as Walder saw his latest strike crash off FC IoM 'keeper, Adam Killey's crossbar before Killey was called into action again a minute later to deny Martyn Jackson.

Heading towards 90 minutes and FC Isle of Man had struggled to threaten in front of goal, but a moment of brilliance was able to change that with 89 minutes played.

Ravens' midfielder, Dean Pinnington, took control of a free-kick from 30 yards out and unleashed a curling left-footed strike sailing past Hamer into the goalkeeper's bottom right corner to level the contest.

As the Manx outfit maintained hopes they'd earned a late point, there hopes were banished as, with only seconds remaining in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time, up stepped Ramsbottom substitute Conal Gallagher who swept through some shaky FC Isle of Man defending before slotting past Killey to kill the contest at 2-1.

FC Isle of Man are back in action this coming Saturday (5 August) at The Bowl against Litherland REMYCA, kicking-off at 6pm.

Manx Radio will be providing full live match commentary on our DAB and AM1368 channels.