This application was successful and the team was placed at step six in the pyramid, the NWCFL Division One South (due to the proximity of these clubs to the regions airports). However, we all know what came next and the Covid pandemic struck. Like the rest of the UK, the Isle of Man went into lockdown and it meant the club were unable to play their first game until August 2021.
As the season began, the Isle of Man still remained closed to visitors so the football team had to play all of their 'home' games away from the Island. On the 4th October though, the Isle of Man government annouced the re-opening of their borders meaning the The Ravens could now finally play a competitive game at home. I was straight onto the various travel sites to book my journey meaning it would be the first time I've ever flown to a North West Counties game.
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| The Bowl, Douglas |
Home in the case of FC Isle of Man is the main stadium on the island, the 3,000 capacity King George V Bowl in Douglas. The ground is, as the name suggests, bowl shaped and is all seated, with an artificial playing surface. Local team St Mary's also play their home games here.
For this ground hopper not only was there the opportunity to witness this historic match, there was also a chance of a double header as, to avoid having a negative impact on the local leagues who play at 2.30pm, FC Isle of Man games kick off at 6.30pm. I opted to watch Corinthians AFC vs Ramsey YCOB at the Ballafletcher Sports Ground, which is a 25 minute walk up the road from The Bowl. Corinthians won 3-0.
⬆️ Ballafletcher Sports Ground, Corinthians AFC ⬇️
I got chatting to the people at Corinthians and most of them were heading to The Bowl afterwards, especially as there were numerous ex-Corinthians players now at FC Isle of Man.
After checking in at my hotel, I arrived at the ground about 45 minutes before kick off and you could sense the anticipation. The place was heaving and the match had clearly captured the imagination of locals. There was a bumper crowd of over 2k present as FC Isle of Man took to the field to play Brocton.
The home side dominated possession thereafter but rarely troubled Tony Allsopp in the Brocton goal. Indeed it was the visitors from Stafford who looked more likely to score on the counter attack. Just before the break Isle of Man hit the bar through Stephen Whitley before Daniel Simpson forced Allsopp into a great save. The momentum had swung.
The Ravens winning goal duly arrived after 75 minutes when Luke Murray picked up the ball in midfield and headed towards goal before striking the ball home from 25 yards, via a slight deflection off both a Brocton player and a post. Cue scenes, as they say in modern parlance.
Allsopp produced another fine save to deny Whitley his second goal before The Badgers had some late half chances to snatch a point. In the end, FC Isle of Man weren't to be denied on their big night and, in front of their supporters it was much needed. Hopefully they will be encouraged back for more, it will be interesting to see how the attendances hold up going forward.
Reading the notes in the programme, it is hoped that having a team in the league system will bring people to the island. The article said that if 50 people per match came over as result this would be great for the local economy, especially as the majority of games will be outside the usual tourist season. Looking at various pictures on social media it would appear this is worked immediately!
I did my little bit (hic) and I throughly enjoyed my brief stay in Douglas. I will certainly be returning again at some point in the future.
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