Ravens start September with success at Prestwich Heys

Clinical second half sees FC Isle of Man take maximum points

A clinical second-half display ensured FC Isle of Man made a winning start to September with a 3-1 victory at Prestwich Heys in the NWCFL Premier Division this evening (3 September).

The hosts 'Heys' opened the scoring five minutes into the second-half courtesy of Dylan Fitzgerald's well-taken low strike from 15 yards.

The Manx side were level five minutes later through a point-blank Charlie Higgins finish before Adam Adebiyi's near-post finish on 68 minutes gave the visitors the lead for the first time.

FC Isle of Man then made sure of the win with two minutes of normal time left when Jack McVey slotted home from the penalty spot after Adebiyi was brought down in the Prestwich Heys penalty area.

Just four minutes in, Fitzgerald had a golden chance to give Prestwich Heys an early lead, only to see his effort sail over the bar from ten yards.

However, FC Isle of Man quickly grew into the game with Dean Pinnington coming close twice in the opening 20 minutes.

The Manx side then had Ronan McDonnell to thank on 22 minutes after a Fitzgerald shot saved by Adam Killey fell to Erike Sousa who saw his follow-up denied by McDonnell on the line.

Level at the break, the home side broke the deadlock on 50 minutes when a Callum Graham cross from the right found Fitzgerald in the box who fired home.

But the lead didn't last long as Prestwich Heys failed to clear an FC Isle of Man corner five minutes later with McVey delivering a ball into the box with Higgins getting a telling touch to convert from close range.

Approaching 70 minutes and FC Isle of Man led for the first time as Callum Sherry scampered down the left flank before whipping a cross to the near post for Adebiyi whose deft touch sent it past Prestwich Heys goalkeeper Louis Hood and into the net.

Ste Whitley then nearly added to the tally five minutes later only to see an effort crash off the Prestwich Heys crossbar.

With three minutes of normal time left and FC Isle of Man were gifted a chance to seal a result as Adebiyi was brought down in the Prestwich Heys box with the referee pointing to the spot.

Up stepped McVey who confidently slotted low to the right of the diving Hood to ultimately seal maximum points for the Island outfit.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be at home against Bury this Saturday, 7 September at The Bowl in Douglas, kicking-off at 6pm.