FC Isle of Man to host high-flying Ramsbottom United

Ravens face tough task against current title challengers

FC Isle of Man face a difficult task to secure their first back-to-back home wins of the season when they host high-flying Ramsbottom United in the NWCFL Premier Division tomorrow night (31 January).

Following a midweek defeat at Atherton LR on Wednesday (28 January), the Manx side this time welcomes an opponent still in with a chance of challenging for the league title in the second half of the campaign.

Whilst FC Isle of Man now have a 14-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone, Rick Holden's side will be keen to improve in a recent run of four defeats in their last five.

In contrast, Ramsbottom United will head to the Island third in the division, ten points off of top spot but with two games in hand on both sides above them.

In the midst of the congested lower regions of the NWCFL Premier Division table, FC Isle of Man will start the weekend 19th in the standings and with a chance to move up as many as two places should they defy the odds and take all three points on home soil.

However, whilst overall the head-to-head record to date between themselves and Ramsbottom United is relatively close - three Ramsbottom United wins to FC Isle of Man's two across five meetings - the Lancashire side romped to a 4-1 win over 'The Ravens' in the reverse fixture on 23 August, 2025.

For Steve Wilkes' travelling team this weekend, a win at The Bowl on Saturday would mean back-to-back victories in trips to the Isle of Man, but could also elevate them up to second in the table should Padiham drop points against Atherton LR tomorrow.

FC Isle of Man vs Ramsbottom United takes place at The Bowl in Douglas this Saturday, 31 January, kicking-off at 6pm.

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