Second-half comeback sees FC Isle of Man past Burscough

Ravens fight back from two down to win at The Bowl

A stunning second-half comeback saw FC Isle of Man fight from two goals down to win 3-2 against Burscough in the NWCFL Premier Division this evening (16 November).

Burscough led at the break through a crisp 25-yard John McGrath strike before captain James McCulloch smashed in from close range from a corner.

A long-range rocket from Ste Whitley and an Adam Adebiyi header levelled for the Ravens in the second period before Charlie Higgins netted a half-volley to snatch all three points.

The result sees FC Isle of Man record a sixth consecutive league for only a third time in the club's relatively short history and remain in the promotion play-off spots.

Tonight's contest saw two teams enter the fray in contrasting form with FC Isle of Man the league's in-form outfit with Burscough on a winless run of seven games in all competitions.

A scrappy and tentative first half got a moment of magic it needed in the 36th minute as a John McGrath strike from 25 yards curled over FC IoM goalkeeper, Adam Killey and off the underside of the crossbar.

Play initially continued but referee Kaan Hayes - following a discussion with the linesman - gave the goal with McGrath's strike adjudged to have crossed the line after hitting the woodwork.

Looking comfortable against a lacklustre Manx side, Burscough doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time.

A 'Linnets' corner from the left was spilled by Killey into a sea of bodies before McCulloch got a telling touch to smash into the net from close range.

Needing to find an extra gear in the second period, 'The Ravens' laboured onwards only to have a route back into the contest through Ste Whitley in the 67th minute.

The midfielder drove through the heart of the Burscough defence before unleashing an unstoppable 30-yard drive into the top corner.

Just two minutes later, FC Isle of Man were then level as Whitley became provider for Adebiyi who - only brought on seconds before - rose in the box to meet a Whitley cross from the right and guide a header past Burscough stopper, Ben Barnes into the 'keeper's bottom left corner.

With a new lease of life against a stunned Burscough defence, a whirlwind turnaround from the hosts was then completed on 74 minutes.

Another substitute in Daniel Gerrard dinked a ball over the Burscough defence to find Higgins who strode to the edge of the box and lashed a half-volley into Barnes' bottom right corner.

Three points for FC Isle of Man tonight along with results elsewhere means they remain fifth in the NWCFL Premier Division standings in the promotion play-off spaces, one point behind Lower Breck in fourth and five clear of FC St Helens just below in sixth.

FC Isle of Man's next match will be away against Pilkington on Saturday, 23 November, kicking-off at 2pm.

Man of the Match: Ste Whitley (FC Isle of Man)