First encounter with Pilkington awaits FC Isle of Man

Trip to St Helens for Ravens on sixth straight away fixture

FC Isle of Man face another test on the road this evening when they travel to face Pilkington in the NWCFL Premier Division tonight.

After five wins from their first nine games this season, the Ravens could go as high as third with a win at The Arcoframe Stadium depending on results around them.

However, they face a Pilkington side - promoted into this division last season - who've had an encouraging start and, like their Island opponents, have earned 16 points so far having played one game more.

FC Isle of Man Manager, Paul Jones - who's back in charge after some time away on leave - agrees their hosts this evening have already been proving their qualities at this level

This evening marks the Island outfit's sixth away game on the bounce - this recent run of games on their travels has seen FC Isle of Man record four wins, one draw and one defeat.

As a result, they go into tonight's contest eighth in the league standings on 16 points with a game in hand on their upcoming opponents.

Meanwhile, Pilkington - promoted from NWCFL Division One North last season - have enjoyed a positive start to life at this new level with four wins, four draws and two losses from their opening ten league fixtures.

The St Helens-based side are on a current run of having lost only once in their last eight in all competitions.

Pilkington vs FC Isle of Man will take place tonight (6 September) at The Arcoframe Stadium, kicking-off at 7.45pm.

FC Isle of Man team news

One notable change comes at the back where defensive regular, Alex Maitland, is unavailable this week with Ryan Burns coming into the back line.

In midfield, in come Tiernan Garvey and Charlie Higgins with Dean Leece, Joe Quayle and Tom Shimmin making way.

There's a handful of changes in the forward areas as well as Joe Walters and Furo Davies are replaced by Frank Jones and Tom Creer

FC Isle of Man squad vs Pilkington

Ben Wilkinson, Sam Baines, Ryan Burns, Connor Birch, Tom Creer, Sean Doyle, Tiernan Garvey, Danny Gerrard, Charlie Higgins, Frank Jones, Jack McVey, Dean Pinnington, Callum Sherry, Michael Williams