The Isle of Man FA’s representative side was given a footballing lesson on Saturday at the Bowl when they were defeated 6-0 by Altrincham.

The FA squad has seen an influx of new faces this summer and the weekend’s match was no different.

Altrincham, who were recently crowned champions of the Northern Premier League champions, gave an exhibition of quick passing and ball-to-feet football, although the Manx cause not helped when Sean Doyle withdrew with injury after only three minutes.

The visitors took only seven minutes to take the lead, Sean Miller’s tame effort squeezing into the bottom-right corner of the net.

With only 13 minutes played, the Cheshire side doubled their lead. IoMFA goalkeeper Dean Kearns received a back-bass, tried to play the ball out from the back, but Alty striker Jordan Hulme intercepted the pass and walked the ball into an empty net.

Kearns pulled off a superb save minutes later, but Altrincham netted their third when Hulme was found in a pocket of space in the penalty area.

Last season’s top scorer drilled a powerful shot across goal and into the net.

The Isle of Man’s best chance came when Sam Caine charged into the penalty area. However, the ball got away from him at the opportune moment.

After the break the Isle of Man FA had a spell, putting their opponents on the back-foot and the visitors had to defend a number a throw-ins and crosses played into the penalty area.

Nevertheless, the visitors got their fourth after the hour mark when the Manx didn’t clear the danger at a corner giving Tom Peers the opportunity to fire in a low shot.

The islanders had their moments. Matthew Skillicorn’s strike hit the side-netting and Josh Thomas’s angled run into the penalty saw him drill a low shot that was well-saved by the goalkeeper’s out-stretched leg.

At the other end, the FA’s second-half goalkeeper Adam Killey pulled off a few good saves, as Alty scored two quick fire goals in the closing stages.

In the 83rd minute, Elliott Rokka rounded the Manx net-minder to make it 5-0.

Two minutes later, Johnston intercepted a back pass and put the ball ona plate for Hulme who fired home a shot from close range to complete his hat-trick and give the Manx management team plenty to think about ahead of this weekend’s game with Bangor FC.

PAUL HATTON

l The Isle of Man Schools U19 squad has made a winning start to its annual tour of Southern California.

The Manx beat USA national champions, West Coast FC 3-0 in a friendly thanks to goals from Luke Murray (2) and Stan Manning.