The Isle of Man FA’s under-18 side are through to the quarter-finals of the FA County Youth Cup after they beat holders Middlesex in a dramatic last-16 tie at the Bowl on Saturday evening.

Sid Batty’s free-kick gave Lewis Qualtrough’s side an early lead, but the visitors soon hit back when Rawn Seale headed in a corner with 15 minutes on the clock.

The visitors soon began to ramp up the pressure on the hosts’ goal, but it was the islanders who edged in front again midway through the second half when Ramsey defender Carlo Craig forced home the ball.

The game’s momentum swung again shortly after when Middlesex sub Ricardo Price struck twice in three minutes to make the score 2-3 with 15 minutes left on referee Conor Brown’s watch.

As Manx hopes of a last-eight berth began to fade Jay Skelcher-Maxwell’s speculative shot from distance crashed against the underside of the bar before falling toward the line.

The assistant referee gave the goal to restore parity to the tie with only six minutes left.

Neither side could find another in the remainder of the regulation 90 meaning for the second time in three games the Isle of Man FA side would have to endure extra time.

Middlesex pressed for a winner in the additional 30 minutes and Onchan keeper James Rice added to his impressive catalogue of saves.

However, it was the Qualtrough’s teens that would grab the game’s decisive goal when Batty arrowed in another breathtaking free-kick at the start of the second period of extra time.

The islanders will now play the winners of the tie between Norfolk and Northumberland at the Bowl on or before January 20.

Full report in Tuesday’s Examiner.