FC Isle of Man to face stern Wythenshawe FC test 

Ravens back at The Bowl against in-form visitors

After three weeks on the road, FC Isle of Man face a stern test on their return to The Bowl when they face in-form Wythenshawe FC in the NWCFL Premier Division on Saturday night (30 September).

This week's visitors to the Island - newly-promoted from NWCFL Division One South - have got off to a flying start and sit third in the table with 29 points from their 14 games so far.

Meanwhile, a narrow defeat for the Ravens in midweek at Bury means the Manx outfit are still attempting to turnaround a winless run which now stands at seven matches.

FC Isle of Man Manager, Paul Jones, maintains his side is not far away from recapturing their form earlier this season, adding they're relishing the challenge of facing an old foe from two season ago:

The last time both sides met was in the league below in the promotion play-off semi-final at The Bowl on 9 April 2022.

That evening, a wonder-strike from Jack Camarda and a brace from Luke Murray saw FC Isle of Man earn a 3-0 victory on their way to the play-off final which they would also go on to win to secure passage into the premier division.

In the meetings between FC Isle of Man and Wythenshawe FC - known then as Wythenshawe Amateurs - in the league in that 2021/22 campaign, a 2-2 draw between the sides at Hollyhedge Park on 7 August 2021 was followed by a 2-0 win for the Ravens in the reverse fixture at The Bowl on 8 January last year.

Fast forward to now, and it's the Manchester-based side who come into this weekend's clash as firm favourites on paper.

They've lost just once in the league since 28 August winning five times in that period to now, what's more three of those victories have seen them score five times or more.

Elsewhere, FC Isle of Man currently lie firmly rooted in mid-table in 13th position on 17 points but have picked up just two points from their last six outings (should their abandoned draw against AFC Liverpool stand).

Goals have also dried up slightly for Saturday's hosts as they've managed seven in their last seven - four of those in one game - whilst they'd netted ten in just four games prior to that period.

FC Isle of Man vs Wythenshawe FC takes place this Saturday, 30 September, at The Bowl 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 described seeing plenty of positive in his team's narrow loss at Gigg Lane on Tuesday night, and only makes two changes the squad that lost out a few days ago.

Both defender, Alex Maitland, and midfielder, Sam Baines are unavailable - coming are Joe Quayle and Jamie Corlett to supplement the midfield and defensive areas in a 16-strong squad

FC Isle of Man squad vs Wythenshawe FC

Ben Wilkinson (GK), Ryan Burns, Jamie Corlett, Jacob Crook, Sean Doyle, Tiernan Garvey, Charlie Higgins, Frank Jones, Jack McVey, Dean Pinnington, Joe Quayle, Callum Sherry, Eoighan Sherrard, Kyle Watson, Michael Williams, Ste Whitley