FC Isle of Man prepare for crunch clash with Squires Gate

Both sides hunting vital points to edge away from relegation zone

FC Isle of Man will be hunting for vital points when they take on one of their fellow NWCFL Premier Division strugglers this weekend.

The Manx side host Squires Gate at The Bowl tomorrow (28 January) at 6pm.

Both teams sit 17th and 18th in the league respectively and just above the relegation zone.

The Ravens are also hoping to turn around a recent run of three straight defeats.

Their interim boss, Paul Jones, says his players are relishing the potential importance of this fixture:

Along with three consecutive losses in their last three outings, FC Isle of Man also currently hold the unfortunate title of the team with the lowest form in the league over the last six games (one win and five defeats).

Sitting 17th in the standings, they've accumulated 26 points from 27 games, leaving them just four points above the relegation places going into this weekend.

This week, Paul Jones also penned an open-letter to supporters, thanking them for their ongoing support during their challenging run of results, and asking fans to keep faith that results will improve.

But Saturday sees them earn another opportunity to earn a result against a team in a similar position to their own in Squires Gate.

The Blackpool-based outfit sit one place and one point below the Island side currently, having played two games fewer so far.

Like FC Isle of Man, they've also struggled recently for form with one win, one draw and four losses in their last six.

However, that recent victory came on Tuesday night (24 January) as they put in an impressive display to stun second-placed Wythenshawe Town with a 3-1 win away from home in the Macron Cup.

FC Isle of Man vs Squires Gate takes place at The Bowl this Saturday (28 January), kicking-off at 6pm

Manx Radio will be providing full live match commentary on our AM1368 and Digital platforms.

FC Isle of Man team news

After nearly six months out due to a knee injury, star striker Sean Doyle returns to the squad for the first time since 30 July, whilst pivotal midfielder Michael Williams is also available again after his own lengthy injury lay-off.

Elsewhere, having been injured in the warm-up last week, goalkeeper James Rice is once again unavailable, so young Ben Wilkinson - who impressed at times as last-minute replacement last week - keeps the no.1 jersey.

Whilst Doyle and Williams are called up, defender Jamie Corlett and midfielder Charlie Higgins drop out this time around. 

FC Isle of Man squad vs Squires Gate