FC Isle of Man wary of 'banana skin' Abbey Hey challenge

Ravens out to bounce back from narrow weekend defeat

FC Isle of Man's Manager says his side must be wary of a potential 'banana skin' challenge away at Abbey Hey this evening (1 September).

Following a narrow loss at Trafford in the NWCFL Premier Division last Saturday (29 August), 'The Ravens' are back in league action at The Abbey Stadium tonight.

Lee Dixon won't be in charge in the dugout for the Manx side later as he begins a two-match touchline ban.

Speaking to Manx Radio, he says what he thinks his team needs to do to respond positively to last Saturday's disappointment:

Last weekend's loss at Shawe View was the first time FC Isle of Man had come away empty-handed so far in 2026/27, having record two wins and two draws prior to that.

Their hosts later, by contrast, are still hunting for their first three points with two draws and four defeats from their first six league outings, conceding 23 league goals in that period which is the leakiest defensive record to now at this early stage.

In the six meetings between Abbey Hey and FC Isle of Man, the Islanders have taken victory in half of those with the last time Abbey Hey came out on top coming all the way back in August 2021.

Two of the encounters - including the latest between the sides at The Bowl in February this year - have ended in draws.

Abbey Hey vs FC Isle of Man is due to get underway tonight at The Abbey Stadium at 7.45pm

FC Isle of Man team news

FC Isle of Man make multiple changes from last weekend's defeat at Trafford.

Alex Maitland and Dean Pinnington are ruled out with minor knocks with Jacob Crook, Tomas Brown and Lucas Watterson all dropping out.

Coming in are Beren Colley, Kyle Watson, Josh Cain, James Lowther and Leo Tregurtha with the possibility of another addition which is as yet unconfirmed.

In the dugout, with Dixon suspended, Liam Cowin and Gav Gawne are expected to take charge of managerial matters tonight.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Abbey Hey

Adam Killey (GK), Josh Cain, Karl Clark, Preston Cleator, Beren Colley, Will Cowin, Charlie Higgins, Jack Higgins, James Lowther, Joe Middleton, Freddie O'Donoghue, Joe Quayle, Callum Sherry, Leo Tregurtha, Kyle Watson

You can also listen to the full, extended pre-match interview with FC Isle of Man Manager, Lee Dixon via the Manx Radio SportsCast below: