FC Isle of Man prepare to welcome league leaders Bury

Bumper crowd expected for headline tie at The Bowl

After winning their last three on the bounce, FC Isle of Man face the spectacle of welcoming NWCFL Premier Division leaders Bury to The Bowl tomorrow evening (17 February).

A bumper crowd is expected for Saturday's clash with hundreds of travelling Bury supporters believed to be making the journey to Manx shores.

Ravens' manager, Paul Jones thinks occasions like this are what helps put the club and the Island as a whole 'on the map'.

Whilst their title-contending visitors come into the game as firm favourites, Jones thinks his side relishes the possible status of being the underdogs:

The Island side's latest string of positive results marks the first time they've managed four games unbeaten this season since four consecutive victories between 12-26 August 2023.

Sitting 12th in the league standings heading into the weekend a victory could take them up one place above West Didsbury & Chorlton depending on results elsewhere.

The last time FC Isle of Man and their latest visitors met was at Gigg Lane back on 26 September, 2023 with a Gaz Peet strike the difference in a 1-0 win for the current tabletoppers.

Meanwhile, the 'Shakers' head to the Island on 71 points at the summit of the standings ahead of Wythenshawe Town on goal difference and with two games in hand on their nearest challengers.

Bury are also the league's top scorers having netted 91 times and they've got the joint-second best defensive record having conceded only 39.

Dave McNabb's side have lost just once since late November 2023 in all competitions.

FC Isle of Man vs Bury takes place at The Bowl this Saturday, 17 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

Having missed the Ravens' last outing in the win at Prestwich Heys, Jacob Crook has recovered from an ankle injury with young striker Tom Creer also being called back in.

Ash Higginbotham and Jack Higgins drop out, meaning Paul Jones fields the same squad from their last home match - a 3-0 win over Skelmersdale United - two weeks ago.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Bury

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