FC Isle of Man were left frustrated at the Bowl on Saturday evening as an outstanding goalkeeping display from Dominic Garner helped South Liverpool claim a 2-0 victory despite the Ravens creating more than enough chances to take something from the contest.

The hosts started brightly in front of a crowd of 537 and should have led after seven minutes when Tomas Brown flicked the ball into Jason Charmer’s path. The winger raced down the left before picking out Jimmy Lowther, whose close-range effort was superbly denied by Garner.

Brown threatened again shortly afterwards, while Josh Hughes fired wide at the opposite end after the Ravens failed to clear their lines.

South Liverpool then wasted a glorious opportunity when Joseph Clarke blazed over from six yards following Jack Bentley’s knockdown.

Garner was becoming increasingly influential, denying Brown from close range before producing another excellent save to keep out Charmer. The visitors also required a goal-line clearance as the hosts continued to threaten.

But, against the run of play, South Liverpool struck after 33 minutes. A quick counter-attack ended with Clarke finding space 25 yards out before unleashing a thunderous strike that crashed off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

It was a harsh blow for the Ravens, who headed into the interval trailing despite creating the better opportunities.

The second half began in similar fashion, with Charmer again denied by Garner who turned his effort behind.

But controversy followed six minutes after the restart when South Liverpool doubled their advantage.

Following a foul, the visitors took a quick free-kick with a player still on the ground and several players appearing to stop.

The referee allowed play to continue 10 yards further forward than the initial foul took place, with James Flight eventually finding Neil Weaver unmarked at the far post to finish.

Despite their protests, the Ravens continued pressing forward.

Dean Pinnington saw a left-footed effort deflected wide before Garner produced another outstanding stop to deny Karl Clark from close range.

Callum Sherry was also denied late on, while further controversy followed when he was fortunate to escape a second yellow card after another foul, adding to an inconsistent evening of officiating for both sides.

Speaking afterwards, Ravens manager Lee Dixon admitted his disappointment at the missed opportunities, describing the failure to convert so many first-half chances as 'absolutely criminal' and something that had come back to bite his side.

Dixon also questioned the decision leading to the second goal, particularly the referee allowing South Liverpool to take the free-kick around 10 yards ahead of where the foul occurred.

But he was complimentary of the visitors' game management and their ability to see out the contest once ahead.

Ultimately, Garner proved the difference, producing a string of match-defining saves to preserve South Liverpool’s advantage.

For the Ravens, there were positives in their attacking play but their inability to convert chances proved costly.

On another evening, the result could have been very different. Instead, South Liverpool left the island with all three points.

- FC Isle of Man are back in action at home again this weekend when they welcome Atherton LR to the Bowl on Saturday evening, kicking off at 6pm.

DEAN TURTON