Stafford Town are still looking for a change in their fortunes away from home, although this was far from a normal away match; Stafford struggling in the first half in particular, ultimately suffering a heavy 6-2 defeat against FC Isle of Man in front of just over 1800 spectators. Despite the result, the fixture was certainly a unique and memorable experience for all members of the Stafford contingent able to make the trip as they were treated to superb hospitality by their hosts during their overnight stay. Another positive note was the return to action of Stafford stalwart Ryan Blagbrough after 13 months out of football with a serious knee injury. Stafford were put under pressure from the outset, defending several corners before a half-clearance led to a shot from the edge of the box that gave IOM the lead in only the 4th minute. The lead was doubled in the 10th minute, a diagonal ball to the far post headed back across the goal for a close range finish. Stafford were guilty of consistently giving the ball back to their opponents, often turning down short passes and keeping possession. Despite IOM dominating the game, Stafford missed two great chances to pull a goal back; the first saw Ben Wood hit the bar with the ‘keeper out of position following a cut back to the edge of the box after good work down the left by Josh Wilson. Tom Duffy then put a great chance wide of the target in the 22nd minute when the ball dropped to him in the box from a throw in. Stafford ‘keeper Joe Morris was being kept busy, saving well with his feet in the 25th minute when a through ball disected the Stafford backline. Morris could do little about the IOM third goal in the 37th minute however, a wonderful volley into the corner from another inviting diagonal cross into the box. Minutes later, a good run down the left by Josh Oultram resulted in a cross that eventually arrived at the feet of Wilson but he unfortunately scuffed his shot and the effort was pushed wide for a corner. As the half drew to a close there was still time for Morris to make another good save, tipping a powerful header from a corner over the bar. HT 3-0 FC Isle of Man. Stafford improved after the break, in particular their possession of the ball which had been especially poor in the first half. IOM were still putting Stafford under pressure however, Morris again saving with his feet at the backpost and tipping another shot from distance over the bar whilst another scramble at a corner saw the ball cleared after going perilously close to the goal line. In the 67th minute a through ball by Wilson released Nathan Scott but he delayed his shot and his eventual effort was saved for a corner. IOM made it four in the 72nd minute; Morris saving two shots in quick succession before the ball was eventually finished. After Duffy headed over a half-chance for Stafford IOM headed a fifth in the 81st minute from another corner before a crazy last five minutes or so saw three goals and a red card. Stafford got the goal their improved second half performance deserved in the 89th minute; substitute Tom Bowers following up an initial shot to score. A minute later IOM scored again, finishing another rebound after a save by Morris. Stafford replied immediately, a Wilson cut back from the left nicely curled into the corner by Tom Bowers for his second goal in as many minutes. The madness continued with IOM hitting the bar before Morris tarnished his performance with a red card for kicking the ball into the crowd in frustration. FT 6-2 FC Isle of Man. Next up for Stafford is a more traditional away fixture against Cheadle Heath Nomads on Saturday 13th November, with St. Martins the visitors to Evans Park a week later on Saturday 20th November.
