A group of Isle of Man footballers played for Tranmere Rovers in the FA Youth Cup earlier this week.

Liam Blake, Dylan Bullock, Preston Cleator and James Lowther featured for the Birkenhead outfit’s under-18s side as they took on Newcastle Blue Star at Prenton Park.

Bullock, Cleator and Lowther all started the match, with Bullock playing the full 90 minutes, while Blake starred off the bench as he scored to help the hosts triumph 6-0 in the first-round clash.

Earlier this year, the islanders - alongside fellow local player Alex Bolton - joined up with Tranmere Rovers Sports College (now known as the Education Hub), an elite football and education programme with strong links to the club.

Dylan Bullock (left) in action for Tranmere in their FA Youth Cuyp clash against Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday evening (Photo: Phil Bryan)
Dylan Bullock (left) in action for Tranmere in their FA Youth Cup clash against Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday evening (Photo: Phil Bryan) (Phil Bryan)

The move came about after the players were part of the Isle of Man FA academy under-16s side - under the guidance of coaches Mike Holt and Shane Raleigh - that faced their Tranmere counterparts and caught the eye of Rovers’ coaching and recruitment staff.

Holt explained: ‘Myself and Shane had been coaches at the IoMFA Academy with this age group from the U15s through to the U16s, and we were passionate about making sure our group had every opportunity to be seen by professional clubs.

‘We have a fantastic relationship with Tranmere and, in particular, international academy manager Matt Hunter and head of coaching Dan O’Donnell. We took our U16s to play their academy side in February, coming away with a 4-3 victory.

‘From then, I worked closely with Matt to send James, Preston, Alex, Liam and Dylan over to Tranmere in April for a trial.

Jimmy Lowther (left) escapes the attentions of a Newcastle Blue Star player (Photo: Phil Bryan)
Jimmy Lowther (left) escapes the attentions of a Newcastle Blue Star player (Photo: Phil Bryan) (Phil Bryan)

‘The lads represented themselves and the island well, and I received a phone call confirming the club wanted to offer them places at Tranmere’s Education Hub, where they would undertake a BTEC Level 3 in Sport and play for the U19s.

‘To be able to give this news to the lads and their parents was the most rewarding experience in our coaching careers.’

The players moved to Tranmere at the end of August and have since become established members of the club’s youth set-up. The four involved against Newcastle Blue Star are part of the U19s squad, which currently sits second in the North West Premier National Football Youth League.

Holt said seeing the players feature at Prenton Park in the FA Youth Cup was ‘one of the proudest moments’ of his coaching career, adding that they deserved the opportunity through their talent, hard work and attitude.

‘They fully deserve this moment and more to come for their talent, hard work and fantastic attitudes the lads have had.

‘It’s important for me and Shane to reiterate the fantastic support the lads have had from their respective families - without whom none of this would have been possible - and the immense hard work, commitment and attitude the lads have had as they look to develop as players and people.

‘Thanks also to Matt and Dan at Tranmere who have been given the lads unbelievable support, and the coaches and local clubs from grassroots in the island to support them in their journeys.’

Hunter was equally pleased with their progress, saying: ‘All four of the lads have settled into the programme we have at Tranmere Rovers really well.

‘Their attitude in the classroom and their application on the training pitch and in matches has been brilliant, helping them become valuable members of our U18 squad. They’ve bought into the culture and how we like to play really well.

‘Tuesday night’s Youth Cup game was a great way to highlight how they’re progressing, and it was a brilliant occasion for all the players.

‘It’s been great to open this pathway for players from the Isle of Man to come and play their football in England, and we look forward to welcoming more players over to join our programme in the coming years.’

Preston Cleator was one of three Isle of Man players to start for Tranmere under-18s in Tuesday's cup match on the Wirral (Photo: Phil Bryan)
Preston Cleator was one of three Isle of Man players to start for Tranmere under-18s in Tuesday's cup match on the Wirral (Photo: Phil Bryan) (Phil Bryan)

‘A night I won’t forget’

Bullock described it as a memorable occasion for the quartet, saying: ‘It was an incredible experience and opportunity for us to play for Tranmere in the FA Youth Cup - a night that I won’t forget.

‘This wouldn’t have been possible without Mike Holt and Shane Raleigh for giving us this opportunity.’

Those sentiments were echoed by Blake who is believed to be the first Manx footballer to score in this competition. He added: ‘It was a great feeling to play and score for Tranmere in the FA Youth Cup at that level.

‘I’m enjoying my time at the academy playing at a high level, learning from the coaches and players. Playing at Tranmere has been a great experience so far. The standard is really high and it pushes you to improve every day. I’m learning a lot from the coaches and the other players.

‘I just want to keep working hard, keep improving and make the most of the opportunities I get. Playing at this level is a great experience, and I want to keep learning and developing as a player.

‘A big mention to Mike and Shane for making the opportunity possible, as not many from the island have the chance.’

- The draw for the second round of the FA Youth Cup took place on Friday and pitted Tranmere away at Ilkeston Town. Ties are due to be completed by Saturday, November 21.