Big challenge awaits FC Isle of Man at Northwich Victoria

Ravens looking to keep good form on track in Cheshire

FC Isle of Man face a tough test tomorrow (12 March) to continue their recent good form as they travel to promotion-chasing Northwich Victoria in the NWCFL Premier Division.

The Manx side have three wins from their last four - their latest result was a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Winsford United last Saturday (4 March).

Their opponents this weekend Northwich Victoria, hold a top-five position in the division currently and beat the Ravens 3-1 at The Bowl back in November.

But FC Isle of Man interim manager, Paul Jones, insists his team is in a good place right now to compete and confidence is high:

The Island side's recent uplift in wins has also been accompanied by two clean sheets in their last three outings.

They've conceded just once in the last trio of fixtures, compared to seven in the three games prior.

A victory this weekend in Cheshire - depending on results around them - could see them go as much as twelve points clear of the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Sunday's hosts, Northwich Victoria, went into this weekend just five points off the promotion play-off spot in second but may be hoping to find a little more consistency in results, starting tomorrow.

Despite their high standing and steady run in the division to date, 'Vics' only have two wins from their last six and have suffered back-to-back defeats in their last two games away at Bury AFC and Litherland REMYCA.

However, they remain unbeaten on home soil at Wincham Park in 2023 - their last home loss was all the way back on 30 December, 2022.

Northwich Victoria vs FC Isle of Man takes place this Sunday, 12 March, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm

FC Isle of Man team news

After securing a clean sheet on his return last week, Dean Kearns keeps his place in goal as Ben Wilkinson, James Rice and Matthew Quirk continue their recoveries from injury.

Ryan Burns and Tom Shimmin come into Paul Jones' lineup as defensive options with Jamie Corlett and Eoghain Sherrard dropping out.

There's a boost to the attacking options this week too as Furo Davies returns to the fold after a three-match suspension, he replaces Tom Creer.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Northwich Victoria

Dean Kearns, Ryan Burns, Karl Clark, Jacob Crook, Alex Maitland, Tom Shimmin, Dean Leece, Charlie Higgins, Ronan McDonnell, Jack McVey, Kyle Watson, Michael Williams, Ste Whitley, Furo Davies, Sean Doyle, Frank Jones