Vauxhall Motors 2-1 FC Isle of Man

Match Report | Report by Luke Jones | Photo by John Pickles

 

Vauxhall Motors continue their winning start to the season , beating FC Isle Of Man 2-1 at home. The
goals coming from a Ben Holmes penalty and a header from Bobbie McDonnell.

Both sides struggled to hold down possession of the ball early on. However, 15 minutes into the
game the visitors started to press hard onto the Motors and finding space in behind the right side of
the defence.

The pressure looked to be paying of as the FC Isle Of Man earn themselves a free kick on the edge of
the opponents box, which Stephen Whitley effort sheared just wide of McClenaghan’s left post.
There was a worrying moment for Motors keeper as he clears a through ball straight to the visitors
leading to a great chance for Jack Camarda.

Vauxhall grew into the game switching play from right to left, forcing Kearnes to make some decent
stops in the Isle Of Man goal. The two teams kept up the fast tempo towards the end of the first half.
Vauxhall made their first sub of the game during half time, Haydn Cooper making way for Aaron
Dawson.

The visitors looked strong at the beginning of the second half, as the Isle Of Man managed to work
the ball well for a headed attempt towards goal. This failed to hit the target.

The Motors soon made their second substitution, James Eaton replacing Francois Antoine.

A penalty was given to the home side when Michael Burkey won the ball back in the opponents box,
just to be taken down by the Isle Of Man centre back. Captain Ben Holmes stepped up to take the
spot kick, giving Vauxhall Motors the lead by sending the keeper the wrong way.

The away side brought on Charlie Higgins for Adam Mealin as they made their first sub of the game.
A nasty clash of heads from Aaron Dawson and Ronan McDonnell saw both players taken off.
Sean Moscrop replaced Dawson and Jack McVey coming on for McDonnell.

The first yellow card came out for Jack McVey shortly after being introduced for a late challenge.
The Motors doubled grabbed a second when a high cross came into the box for Bobbie McDonnell to
fire his header home from 6 yards out.

Jordan Deer’s tame shot looked to be troubling a flat-footed Kearns in goal, narrowly hitting the
post.

A third sub came for McGraa’s side as Greg Drummond made way for Joseph Heath with 80 minutes
on the clock. Shortly after the second goal scorer McDonnell came of for Ben Dufton-Kelly.

An outrageous Jack McVey shot from distance beaten McClenaghan in the Motors goal, injuring the
keeper towards the end of the 90 minutes.

McClenaghan quickly shook off his injury to receive a booking from the referee for kicking the ball
away. The goal set up a very tense end to the game as the visitors looked to get numbers forward.
Vauxhall Motors managed to hold on the tight lead to walk away with all 3 points, continuing an
unbelievably impressive start to the campaign.

Vauxhall Motors host Winsford United in the NWCFL on Tuesday evening.

James McClenaghan (GK), Liam Turner, Greg Drummond, Marcus James, Thomas Mitchell, Haydn
Cooper, Michael Burkey, Ben Holmes (C), Bobbie McDonnell, Jordan Deer, Francois Antoine
Subs: Aaron Dawson, James Eaton, Ben Dufton-Kelly, Joseph Heath, Sean Moscrop

Kearns (GK), Higgingbotham, Crook, Quaye (C), Maitland, Camarda, Gale, McDonnell, Mealin,
Whitley, Murray
Subs: Higgins, McVey, Corlett, Kelly, Moretta