In their first outing without their talisman Bryn Snellgrove, Douglas went down 33-25 away at Dukinfield.
The game was always likely to be a potential banana skin and saw Douglas slip away from the leading pack at the top of South Lancashire/Cheshire Division Two.
They are now fourth, just nine points clear of fifth placed Vagabonds.
Dixon keen to see FC Isle of Man response against Atherton LR
One point separates sides ahead of meeting at The Bowl
Hockey: Halfway point of mixed season approaches
All points paramount at both ends of all divisions at this stage
Rugby: Douglas back in action at Winnington Park
Vagabonds Ladies hoping to follow up big win at Aldwinians
Football: Sides looking to catch premier league top two
Castletown take slender Division 2 advantage into weekend
