FC Isle of Man looking to avoid complacency against Skelmersdale United

Ravens aiming to build on first win of 2024 last time out

After picking up their first win of 2024 last weekend, FC Isle of Man will be hoping for more of the same tomorrow evening (3 February) when they host Skelmersdale United in the NWCFL Premier Division.

The Ravens' latest opponents head to the Island under the leadership of Pascal Chimbonda - a former premier league and French international player - who's been at the helm since October 2023. 

Whilst Skelmersdale United come into Saturday's clash bottom of the table, the Manx side will be wary that they suffered defeat at the hands of their visitors earlier in the season.

FC Isle of Man Manager, Paul Jones says it's vital his team avoids any form of complacency:

Whilst eleven places and 22 points separate Skelmersdale United at the foot of the division and FC Isle of Man in 13th, the Ravens' form against sides lower down the table to now has been far from consistent.

Against the current bottom four clubs - Cheadle Town, Burscough, Squires Gate and Skelmersdale United - FC Isle of Man have taken only six points from a possible 18, with those points gained from wins home and away against Burscough.

However, should Paul Jones' side gain revenge on their latest opponents and take maximum points this weekend, they could move up to as high as 10th in the table depending on results around them.

Elsewhere, Chimbonda and Skelmersdale United are continuing to keep their hopes of staying in the division alive despite what has been a challenging campaign for the club as a whole to date.

Since the turn of the year, wins over Squires Gate and Ramsbottom United as well as a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Charnock Richard on Tuesday (30 January) in their last outing mean victory for them this weekend could see them move to within five points of safety.

FC Isle of Man vs Skelmersdale United takes place at The Bowl this Saturday, 3 February, 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

Rotation is required again in the FC Isle of Man squad this weekend - Tiernan Garvey is unavailable, Eoghain Sherrard is continuing his recovery from a muscle problem whilst Ronan McDonnell will spend this weekend earning match time with his dual-registered club.

There are, however, welcome returns for a trio of experienced players in the form of Alex Maitland and Furo Davies who've both recovered from injuries whilst Ste Whitley also returns and could make his first appearance for over a month

FC Isle of Man squad vs Skelmersdale United

Ben Wilkinson (GK), Jacob Crook, Tom Creer, Furo Davies, Sean Doyle, Danny Gerrard, Charlie Higgins, Phil Kelly, Frank Jones, Alex Maitland, Jack McVey, Dean Pinnington, Callum Sherry, Kyle Watson, Michael Williams, Ste Whitley