Ravens looking to rediscover rhythm against Stockport Town

FC Isle of Man lost reverse fixture against 'dangerous' opponents in August

After not kicking a ball last weekend due to a postponement, FC Isle of Man will be hoping to get back on the winning trail in the NWCFL Premier Division this weekend.

'The Ravens' will be looking to maintain their place in the hotly-contested promotion play-off spots when they take on Stockport Town at The Bowl at 6pm on Saturday.

Despite their high position in the table, the Manx side have managed just one point from a possible six in their last two games and lost to their latest opponents in the reverse fixture at Stockport Sports Village in late August.

FC Isle of Man Manager Paul Jones believes his side's performances have been better than their last two results but accepts there are areas of their game to improve:

A last-gasp defeat at AFC Liverpool 13 days ago on Merseyside means this weekend marks the first time in over two months the Island side are looking to bounce back from a loss.

They've lost just once in their last eight, winning six in that time and sit fifth in the NWCFL Premier Division standings - in the last of the four promotion play-off spots - on 46 points after 26 games.

Maximum points this weekend would be a welcome addition for FC Isle of Man who will be aware their nearest play-off challengers at present, FC St Helens, are just three points further back and with two games in hand.

In fact, just six points separates FC Isle of Man in fifth down to AFC Liverpool in ninth - furthermore, FC Isle of Man have played more league matches so far than all of those four teams below them.

Elsewhere, after promotion from NWCFL Division One South last season, Stockport Town are enjoying a steady campaign so far at step five, 11th in the table on 39 points.

As well as beating 'The Ravens' earlier in the season, Paul Turnbull's team have taken several big scalps in the division so far, including wins over high-flying sides such as Chadderton, Lower Breck and FC St Helens.

FC Isle of Man vs Stockport Town takes place at The Bowl in Douglas this Saturday, 14 December, 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

Whilst the extended break from fixtures has allowed certain players to return to the FC Isle of Man fold, a number remain absent this week.

Callum Sherry is suspended and fellow defender Jack McVey is unavailable; Midfielder Jack Camarda - who recently re-signed for 'The Ravens' for the remainder of the season - is not included this week.

Defender Alex Maitland returns to the fold after shaking off a recent injury with young striker Tom Creer also recalled.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Stockport Town

Adam Killey (GK), Sam Baines, Luke Booth, Jamie Corlett, Tom Creer, Jacob Crook, Sean Doyle, Danny Gerrard, Dan Hattersley, Charlie Higgins, Harley Jackson, Alex Maitland, Ronan McDonnell, Dean Pinnington, Kyle Watson, Ste Whitley