Hectic week for FC Isle of Man to begin at Chadderton

Ravens to commence run of three games in five days

FC Isle of Man face their first of three games in five days when they travel to take on Chadderton in the NWCFL Premier Division tonight (9 April).

The Ravens have four victories from their previous five matches and have the chance to move up as many as two places to tenth should they win at the Falcon Fire Stadium.

Eight days ago the Manx side earned an impressive 3-2 win over their latest opposition at The Bowl.

However, FC Isle of Man Manager Paul Jones says that doesn't guarantee them a result on the road this evening:

Recent weather disruption means the Island outfit have not played since that victory over Chadderton in the reverse fixture on Easter Monday.

They had been due to host Lower Breck last Saturday (6 April) only for the match to be postponed due to the travelling Lower Breck team's flight being cancelled as a result of Storm Kathleen.

That meant that five out of the last eight scheduled matches for the Ravens have been called off due to adverse conditions.

Heading into the closing weeks of the season, FC Isle of Man remain one of the in-form sides in the NWCFL Premier Division with four wins in their last six and still with a very small chance of being in contention for the promotion play-offs.

Meanwhile after a strong campaign to date, Chadderton sit seventh in the table on 74 points, only behind fifth-placed Padiham in the final play-off spot and Prestwich Heys in sixth on goal difference.

In a recent dip in form, tonight's hosts have lost their last three on the bounce.

Defeat at The Bowl last weekend was followed by a 5-2 loss at fellow play-off contenders Prestwich Heys on 4 April before a 5-0 defeat at the hands of Kendal Town two days later (6 April).

Chadderton vs FC Isle of Man is due to get underway tonight at 7.45pm.

FC Isle of Man team news

Paul Jones makes four changes to the side which beat their latest opponents on home turf just over a week ago.

Unavailable for the journey to Oldham are Tom Creer, Ethan Hawley, Alex Maitland and Kyle Watson.

However, Frank Jones and Eoghain Sherrard return to the side as does defender Callum Sherry who is back after suspension.

Sam Baines also comes into contention to make his first appearance since September 2023.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Chadderton

Adam Killey (GK), Sam Baines, Jacob Crook, Furo Davies, Ryan Gartland, Tiernan Garvey, Daniel Gerrard, Dan Hattersley, Charlie Higgins, Jack Higgins, Frank Jones, Phil Kelly, Jack McVey, Callum Sherry, Eoghain Sherrard, Ste Whitley