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FC Isle of Man

Five Takeaways as Ravens Beat Irlam

The Ravens are now in 14th
Pic: Gary Weightman

Published

3 years ago

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As Sean Doyle’s second half goal was enough for FC Isle of Man beat Irlam, here’s five things we noticed.

Flowing

Last week I was critical of the Ravens in the final third, they may have only scored one on Saturday but the football was at times high paced, free flowing and they put together some smart moves to get in begin Irlam. If they hadn’t come up against Lee White, who twice denied Charlie Higgins and made a string of other saves, it would have been more than 1-0.

There also seemed to be a bigger impetus on the high press, especially early on in the game, with Dean Pinnington and Higgins in there, they have plenty of legs to cause mayhem for any team trying to play out from the back.

Big Ben

At 95 minutes on the clock, Irlam worked the ball in down the left and looked certain to break Manx hearts, but Ben Wilkinson spread himself, stayed big and make a brilliant save to keep that lead intact. He had one shaky moment earlier on when he fumbled a shot, but recovered well to rescue the situation, he has made that number 1 shirt his own this season and will only get better as he matures and learns.

Quarterback Jack

Jack McVey returned to the back line on Saturday evening and everything the Ravens did went through him. The whole back line was impressive again, limiting chances and digging in deep when they needed to, but McVey just plays the game at a different pace. His calmness on the ball, in what was a high tempo game, set the Ravens on the path to victory.

There was a period when the midfield was being totally bypassed by both teams and McVey’s accuracy ensured the Ravens picked up territory, while a good number of Irlam’s long balls were mopped up like bread mopping gravy off a plate.

Maturity and Surety

Last season, particularly in the depths of winter, I don’t doubt that the Ravens would have lost this game. But in the 14 months since he took over Paul Jones and his coaches have instilled a sense of steel and calmness in the Ravens. There have been wobbles this year, there’s going to be given the nature of football at this level, but there is a great deal more to celebrate and enjoy.

The Fans

The crowds at FC Isle of Man games may not be at the peak they were in that first insane season, but Saturday’s crowd were treated to a fast flowing game and responded in kind with the Pully Bridge End (aka Power Station) in fine voice all night.

At the end of the game, the players (as they do win, lose or draw) went over to the fans and the connection that exists there was clear to see and hear, it may lack the siege mentality you get with some clubs, but for the Ravens and their fans, it’s us against the world and as the club’s tweet shows, it is appreciated.

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