FC Isle of Man looking for good response at Wythenshawe Town

Ravens hoping for repeat of opening day win over opponents

For the fifth game running, FC Isle of Man are on their travels this weekend in the NWCFL Premier Division to face Wythenshawe Town at 2pm this Saturday (2 September).

Both teams met at The Bowl on the opening day of the season at the end of July, with the Ravens coming out on top with a 2-0 win.

However, since then, Wythenshawe Town have had an upturn in results meaning both sides are level on 15 points - and fourth and fifth in the table - after eight games.

FC Isle of Man coach, Gareth Lloyd, is taking charge of the Island side this weekend - he says their opponents continue to have a 'great pedigree' at this level:

Since both sides faced off on Manx shore on 29 July the two teams have posted near identical records in the following weeks.

Both have five wins and three defeats from their opening eight games, with Wythenshawe Town having the marginally better goal difference.

FC Isle of Man's recent run of four straight wins was brought to a shuddering halt on Monday (28 August) when they suffered a surprise, late 2-0 loss at the hands of Skelmersdale United having battled to a 2-0 victory two days previous at Longridge Town.

Elsewhere, Wythenshawe Town - who's personnel has been through significant changes, including a new manager - over the summer have, after a shaky start, settled into a recent spell of four wins from their last five outings.

What's more, those four recent wins has seen the Manchester-based outfit record clean sheets in all of those, with their most recent result a comprehensive 3-0 dismantling of Lower Breck.

Wythenshawe Town vs FC Isle of Man will take place at Ericstan Park this Saturday, 2 September, kicking-off at 2pm.

FC Isle of Man team news

Arguably the most significant change in FC Isle of Man's personnel this weekend is in the dugout as coach, Gareth Lloyd, takes the reins with both the manager, Paul Jones, and assistant manager, Alex Harrison, both on leave.

However, after a busy bank holiday weekend schedule last time out, there's also a spree of changes in on-the-pitch faces with eight changes from the squad which lost at Skelmersdale United.

At no.1, Ben Wilkinson replaces Adam Killey in goal, whilst in the defensive area Jack Higgins drops out and Jacob Crook returns

There's a noticeable shift in midfield options with Sam Baines, Dean Leece and Tom Shimmin called up with Ryan Gartland, Charlie Higgins, Tiernan Gavey and Frank Jones making way.

In the forward areas there's a boost in options - whilst Tom Creer drops out, in come Sean Doyle, Furo Davies and Joe Walters

FC Isle of Man squad vs Wythenshawe Town

Ben Wilkinson, Sam Baines, Connor Birch, Jacob Crook, Furo Davies, Sean Doyle, Danny Gerrard, Dean Leece, Alex Maitland, Jack McVey, Dean Pinnington, Joe Quayle, Tom Shimmin, Callum Sherry, Joe Walters, Michael Williams