Burscough the first test for FC Isle of Man in 2023

Ravens won eleven-goal thriller between sides in October

FC Isle of Man will be hoping to get off to a winning start to 2023 when they face Burscough in the NWCFL Premier Division at The Bowl tomorrow afternoon (2 January).

The Manx side are eleven points better off than Burscough who currently sit in the relegation zone.

Tomorrow will also see a long-awaited return for FC Isle of Man’s Frank Jones who is named in the hosts’ squad for the first time since July 2021 after he sustained a long-term knee injury on the opening day of last season.

Back on 4 October, the Ravens beat the Lancashire side 7-4 at The Community Ground.

However, FC Isle of Man interim manager, Paul Jones, explains how vital it is they don't underestimate their opponents:

The Island outfit go into the bank holiday clash 17th in the table on 26 points and hoping to build on an impressive 1-0 away win against title-chasing Avro in their last match on 28 December.

FC Isle of Man are on a recent run of three wins in their last six, scoring six and conceding nine times in that period.

Burscough, meanwhile currently sit 21st in the table and inside the relegation zone, but a recent boost in form means they're currently only two points from safety.

They have two wins from their last three - a shock 3-1 victory at home to Prestwich Heys on 26 November was then followed by only a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Congleton Town.

The Lancashire club then returned to winning ways again on Boxing Day (26 December) with a 3-1 away victory at Squires Gate.

FC Isle of Man vs Burscough takes place at The Bowl on Monday, 2 January, kicking-off at 4.30pm.

Manx Radio will be providing full live match commentary on our AM1368 and Digital platforms.

FC Isle of Man Team News

The main selection story to start the new year is the inclusion of Frank Jones who - after a long-term recovery from a serious knee injury - is named in an FC Isle of Man squad for the first time in over 17 months.

There is also a welcome return for midfielder Ronan McDonnell who - after a fairly lengthy injury layoff himself - could boost options in the middle of the park with Tiernan Garvey unavailable this time around.

The Manx side’s match-winner in their last outing, Charlie Higgins, is expected to be involved once again whilst versatile midfielder Sam Baines is called up to the squad for the third game in a row.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Burscough

James Rice, Karl Clark, Jamie Corlett, Jacob Crook, Alex Maitland, Morgan Naylor, Tom Shimmin, Sam Baines, Charlie Higgins, Frank Jones, Ronan McDonnell, Jack McVey, Kyle Watson, Ste Whitley, Tom Creer, Furo Davies