FC Isle of Man to begin new year with Chadderton test

Ravens to host league's top scorers in first match of 2026

Following a result to forget to end 2025, FC Isle of Man will be hoping to start the new year on a good note in the NWCFL Premier Division this weekend.

'The Ravens' will be hoping to put last weekend's 4-0 home defeat behind them when they host Chadderton at The Bowl in Douglas tomorrow night (3 January).

Maximum points at the beginning of 2026 could send the Manx side as many as three places up the table to 17th, also depending on results elsewhere.

They welcome a Chadderton side currently in the fight for play-off positions towards the top end of the standings and with games in hand on several teams above them.

Despite their humbling at the hands of Stockport Town six days ago, Rick Holden's FC Isle of Man side have enjoyed an upturn in form which has seen them lose only two of their last six matches.

They're also yet to lose against their latest opponents, having won three and drawn one of the previous four meetings to date.

However, Chadderton head to Manx shores not only just two points outside the play-offs but also as the league's top scorers having netted 75 times in 24 league contests so far.

At the core of that has been Lewis Simon-Byrne who currently tops the NWCFL Premier Division goalscoring charts with 32 and a little further back teammate, Benito Lowe has also impressed, scoring 13 in the league so far.

FC Isle of Man vs Chadderton takes place at The Bowl in Douglas this Saturday, 3 January, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.

Manx Radio will be providing full live match commentary on our DAB and AM1368 channels.