FC Isle of Man prepare to welcome league leaders Ramsbottom United

Ravens targeting season double over table-toppers at The Bowl

After another three weeks on the road, FC Isle of Man are back at The Bowl this weekend with the prospect of facing the NWCFL Premier Division league leaders.

After a strong run of results in September, 'The Ravens' begin this month with the big challenge of taking on current table-toppers Ramsbottom United on Saturday evening.

The Manx side beat their opponents away from home in the reverse fixture a few weeks ago and their recent good form has propelled them into the promotion play-off spots at this stage.

FC Isle of Man Manager Paul Jones says there's a positive mood in the camp going into this weekend and believes his players have even more potential going forward:

The Island side's rejuvenated run of just one defeat in their last nine - including six victories in that time - sees them head into this weekend fifth in the table on 27 points and occupying the final promotion play-off spot at this early stage.

Should Paul Jones' side defy the odds once again and manage a second victory this season over their latest visitors, they could find themselves as high as third in the standings come the end of play.

All three meetings between these two teams have been settled on a 2-1 scoreline with FC Isle of Man having been on the winning side on the last two of those with Ramsbottom United edging out 'The Ravens' in the first encounter between the teams last season on 2 August 2023.

Meanwhile - despite having lost to FC Isle of Man this campaign on 10 September - Ramsbottom United's superiority at the start of this season is not just on points.

Whilst sitting pretty at the top on 36 points after 17 games and four points clear of Chadderton in second, they also boast the best goalscoring record having netted 41 times in the league already.

Steve Wilkes' outfit has only conceded 15 times - the joint-second best defensive record in the division currently along side Lower Breck - only Bury (14) have let in fewer.

FC Isle of Man vs Ramsbottom United takes place at The Bowl on Saturday, 5 October, 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 five alterations to the side which earned a late victory at Barnoldswick Town six days ago.

Perhaps the most notable absentee this week is Ste Whitley who's netted six times in the last five matches.

Kyle Watson is suspended whilst Leo Tregurtha, Josh Kennaugh and Joao Marques have been left out so as to get match time with their local clubs.

Making a welcome return after several weeks out is club captain Sean Doyle as are the experienced figures of Alex Maitland and Sam Baines.

Striker Dan Hattersley comes back into the fold for the first time since late August whilst there's another call-up for Matt Lamb.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Ramsbottom United

Adam Killey (GK), Sam Baines, Luke Booth, Tom Creer, Jacob Crook, Sean Doyle, Danny Gerrard, Dan Hattersley, Charlie Higgins, Harley Jackson, Matt Lamb, Alex Maitland, Ronan McDonnell, Jack McVey, Callum Sherry, Ben Wosser