FC Isle of Man expecting tough Kendal Town test

Manager says players continuing to grow despite frustrating results

FC Isle of Man have another chance to turn around their recent poor form in the NWCFL Premier Division when they host Kendal Town at The Bowl tomorrow evening (20 January).

The Ravens' defeat at Padiham last week means the Island side have registered six losses and just one win since 11 November, 2023.

The Manx outfit's manager Paul Jones knows his side will be in for a tough test this weekend against their Cumbrian opponents who've enjoyed a strong campaign towards the top of the table so far.

But he adds that his team is learning as each game comes about what it would take to be more successful at this level going forward:

FC Isle of Man's latest run of results means they remain firmly within the mid-table region of the NWCFL Premier Division - 14th place on 36 points and 13 points adrift of the promotion play-off positions.

As well as suffering defeats in six of their last seven, their latest opponents got the better of them twice in the 2022/23 campaign.

A 3-1 win for the 'Mintcakes' at The Bowl on 7 January, 2023 was followed shortly after by a close-fought 3-2 victory over the Island side across the water on 4 February last year.

To this point, Kendal Town have largely maintained their status of being at the sharp end of the standings - they currently lie sixth on 48 points and just one point outside the play-off spots - a win for them at The Bowl this weekend could take them as a high as fourth depending on other results.

FC Isle of Man vs Kendal Town takes place this Saturday, 20 January, kicking-off at 6pm - Manx Radio will be providing full live match commentary on our DAB and AM1368 channels.

FC Isle of Man team news

Paul Jones makes four changes to the side which lost at Padiham this weekend with all of those alterations enforced.

Alex Maitland and Dean Leece suffered injuries during last weekend's outing; Jamie Corlett is serving a suspension after receiving a red card at Padiham and Jack McVey is unavailable.

Callum Sherry and Ryan Burns are ushered back in to boost the defensive options; Michael Williams makes a welcome to return after missing last Saturday through injury with Ronan McDonnell also recalled.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Kendal Town

Ben Wilkinson (GK), Jacob Crook, Ryan Burns, Sean Doyle, Tiernan Garvey, Danny Gerrard, Charlie Higgins, Frank Jones, Phil Kelly, Ronan McDonnell, Dean Pinnington, Eoghain Sherrard, Callum Sherry, Dan Simpson, Kyle Watson, Michael Williams