FC Isle of Man prepare for weekend double-header

Ravens to face two away clashes in three days

After victory in midweek, FC Isle of Man are back on the road again to face two games in three days this weekend.

The Ravens travel to Lancashire tomorrow (26 August) to face Longridge Town before heading to face Skelmersdale United next Monday (28 August).

Last season, the Manx side secured a 3-1 win away at Longridge Town on 2 April to secure their league survival whilst this will be the first time they'll come up against a Skelmersdale United side relegated from the Northern Premier League system in the last campaign.

FC Isle of Man Assistant Manager, Alex Harrison, explains what were the biggest positives from a hard-fought win at Litherland REMYCA on Wednesday and the challenges they could expect on this busy upcoming weekend:

When it comes to their opponents this Saturday, FC Isle of Man have tasted both victory and defeat against a Longridge Town team still searching for their first win of the latest NWCFL Premier Division season.

In 2022/23, FC Isle of Man suffered a spectacular collapse from a 3-1 lead to lose 5-3 to the Lancashire outfit at The Bowl on 18 March before taking a 3-1 win at The Recycling Lives Ground less than a month later.

Elsewhere, next Monday will see the first ever meeting between the Ravens and Skelmersdale United who are currently ground-sharing with Burscough.

Whilst FC Isle of Man sit fifth in the table currently with 12 points from their first six games, it's been a tough start for Skelmersdale United who are currently bottom of the standings in 24th having lost all five matches so far.

Tomorrow, Longridge Town vs FC Isle of Man will take place at The Recycling Lives Ground with kick-off at 3pm.

Skelmersdale United vs FC Isle of Man is being held at The Community Ground on Monday, 28 August, also kicking-off at 3pm.

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FC Isle of Man team news vs Longridge Town

Having overseen an FC Isle of Man win over Litherland REMYCA on Wednesday (23 August), Assistant Manager Alex Harrison takes charge of his second game as he continues to temporarily stand in for Paul Jones who is currently unavailable.

With a busy weekend schedule there are several changes which include a first change in goal this season as Ben Wilkinson comes in for Adam Killey who's played every game to this point.

Elsewhere, there's a welcome return from injury for striker, Sean Doyle whilst fellow forward Furo Davies also comes back into the mix.

The squad to face Skelmersdale United on Monday will be announced in due course.

FC Isle of Man squad vs Longridge Town 

Ben Wilkinson, Sam Baines, Connor Birch, Jacob Crook, Furo Davies, Sean Doyle, Sam Gelling, Danny Gerrard, Phil Kelly, Dean Leece, Alex Maitland, Luke Murray, Dean Pinnington, Eioghain Sherrard, Callum Sherry, Joe Walters