Five Takeaways as Ravens win at Chadderton

Dan Hattersley’s goal after just 22 seconds saw FC Isle of Man climb into the top 10 as they beat Chadderton for the second time in nine days.

Due to the recent weather, the Ravens played for the first time since beating Chaddy at the Bowl 3-2 in what was widely seen as one of, if not the, best attacking display under Paul Jones.

Starting Quickly 

The Ravens came flying out the traps and good work from Charlie Higgins saw him gifted an opportunity and while the Chaddy keeper made a good save, Hattersley was there to make it 0-1, the Ravens used to have issues with starting quickly and were often better in the second half, goals like this show much more than just scoring, it shows the growth they’ve shown this season.

True Grit

Paul Jones said it himself in his post-match interview with Upfrontfooty’s Dean Turton (other Turtons are available) this game was a ‘complete contrast’ to what we saw at the Bowl as his side dug in and showed real grit and intelligence to win.

Jones also noted that the team did ride its luck at times, but that’s a story as old as football and in picking up this win, the Ravens showed that they can keep clean sheets against the side battling for promotion.

Don’t Stop Believing

Jones managed to resist the temptation to burst out into the Journey classic (for those of you both old and young enough to remember, read that as Glee) but he hasn’t given up hope on the Ravens being the ultimate party crashers and storming in with a late charge for the play-offs.

Drawing inspiration from his coaching hero Ted Lasso, he said: ‘Believe. Lots has got to go our way in terms of results for other people, but we’re doing our bit at the moment and Colne on the 3G on Friday night, we found it hard against them at home, hopefully, we’ve learnt that lesson and can go and give them a real good test.

‘Once we’re over that, we’ll think of Barnoldswick but yeah really looking forward to these last six games of the season and if we can keep this form, and performance level up then regardless of results it sets us up well for next season no matter what happens.’

Ravens on Tour

Jones again spoke of the Ravens who braved the trip to Chaddy and said he hopes to see more at Colne and that the big travelling party (two coach loads) heading to Barlick on Saturday will really help the team with their difficult two games in under 16 hours.

League Issues

Away from the Ravens, Tuesday saw another postponement in the league as Barnoldswick v Ramsbottom was postponed. The NWCFL and the FA are under pressure to extend the league season on the grounds of player welfare after what has been an unprecedented wet winter.

There will have to be some decisions made for this season and looking ahead to the next as the wider reaction to the threat Colne received over relegation proved that regardless of what colour fans are wearing in this league, there is a growing sense of disillusionment with the powers that be above the NWCFL officials who are largely seen as doing their best under incredibly difficult circumstances.