Goals from Will Riding and Connor Foreshaw were not enough for Burscough as the home side succumbed to a 3-2 defeat in the North West Counties Football League.
Going into the game Burscough were four points behind FC Isle of Man who sat in 14th place whereas the home side resided in 19th. However, the recent form was in the home side’s favour with two wins out of the last two.
The early stages were end-to-end with both teams vying to get an early score, but unfortunately for the Linnets, the Ravens took the lead eight minutes in. A long ball hoofed over the top troubled the Burscough back line and centre-back Mackenzie Stark had to make contact, as winger Joe Walters was lurking to pounce on any mistake. However, Stark’s contact was a header which looped over goalkeeper Charles Monks, giving his team an uphill battle.
The Green Army fought hard as they pushed for an equaliser, but the challenge was made even harder when after 33 minutes the Reds doubled their advantage. Midfielder Tiernan Garvey picked up a loose ball in the centre of the pitch and drove forward to create a five vs three situation, Garvey then slotted to the left to striker Sean Doyle who slotted into the far bottom corner.
The first 45 concluded with much to do for the home team.
Burscough came out flying for the second half, a tactical attacking change in midfield and suddenly all the pressure was on the Ravens. Four minutes gone and The Linnets found themselves back in the game. Winger Tom Lawless dribbled to the right byline of the box before squaring to Will Riding who managed to fumble the ball over the keeper to halve the deficit.
FC Isle of Man had to defend with their lives over the next 35 minutes as The Green Army pushed and pushed in search of the equaliser, however, totally against the run of play the Ravens found themselves with a chance to retake their two-goal advantage on the 89th minute when the away team were awarded a penalty as Doyle was brought down in the box. Centre Back Jack McVey stepped up and calmly smashed home.
However, there was more drama as from the restart, Burscough played their way through the away side’s defence, Connor Forshaw was then found on the edge of the area and his first-time strike hit the back of the net ensuring a nervy end to the game.
Seven Minutes of added time were awarded but FC Isle of Man held on to take all three points.
