It has been the one we have all been waiting for, a trip to Douglas for the Shakers this weekend as we take on FC Isle of Man at The Bowl, kick-off 6pm.
The anticipation has been building for weeks, if not months, as supporters make their travel plans across the Irish Sea to take on the Ravens. For those who are traveling to the game, do check out the travel guide provided for supporters to take in all the best aspects of the island whilst they are there. Click here to read.
For those not as fortunate, make sure you check out the Live Stream broadcast of the game which is provided by the hosts. This can be purchased from the ticket link here.
We head into the fixture on a run of 11 unbeaten matches and picked up a win at Cheadle Town on Tuesday in the wet and rainy conditions of South Manchester.
A first start for Benito Lowe since October was capped off with a goal. The fiesty striker was fouled for the penalty that he picked himself up from, to dispatch the opening goal of the game. Goal-machine Andy Briggs grabbed another minutes later to seal the win.
FC Isle of Man visited Gigg Lane back in September, in Dave McNabb’s first game as manager. A tight affair, and the deadlock was broken by Gaz Peet midway through the first half in a 1-0 win. The highlights can be found below.
For more of the best content, head to YouTube for our two-part catch-up with Ian Stoddart & Mike Holt from FC Isle of Man. These are just below, with full match information available as you scroll further down.
‘Playing Away’ – Episode Eight (Part One)
‘Playing Away’ – Episode Eight (Part Two)
Opponents – FC Isle of Man
FC Isle of Man was founded in 2020 and is a community-based football club which represents the island as a whole.
The Ravens were officially accepted into the English non-league pyramid for the 2020/21 season. However, due to Covid restrictions and border controls into the island, the club were temporarily suspended from the league as it was not possible to fulfil all their fixtures by 31st May 2021, as required by the English FA.
Subsequently the season as a whole was eventually suspended due to further Covid outbreaks in early 2021 and the 2021/22 season became their first in the non-league system.
Despite going top of the division temporarily in February after a dramatic 4-3 victory over eventual league champions West Didsbury, the Ravens ultimately finished second in the league but were promoted at the first attempt after defeating New Mills in the play-off final in front of more than 3,000 spectators at the Bowl.
Current manager, Paul Jones, stepped in to take the top job permenantly in February 2023 after a period as interim manager. The club’s first manager Chris Bass left in the November before, following a difficult start to life in Step 5. Their first season in the Premier Division in 2022-23 however ended in consolidation, with a 13th place finish after a strong end to the season.
The Ravens go into the weekend in 12th place in the league, with 14 wins and four draws from their 32 games so far. They have also hit a bit of form as we head into this weekend’s clash, with a run of three wins in the last three games, culminating in a 4-3 dispatching of Prestwich on the mainland over last weekend.
Tickets
Advance tickets for this game are now onsale here from our hosts:
- Adults – £10
- Concessions (Over 60 / Under 16) – £5
- Junior (5-11 years) – £3
- Child (under 5) – FREE
- Hospitality – £45 (inc VIP seats, food, drinks and programme)
The ground will be segregated to manage what is being anticipated a large crowd on Saturday evening. Visting supporters will be directed to Gate B at the north end of the ground. Follow stewards advice in and around the ground at all times.
Only a limited number of seats within the away section will be under cover, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and come prepared!
Travel & Parking
Ground: The Douglas Bowl
Address: Peel Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM2 1AD
What3Words: ///rates.bunks.spine
Driving: From Douglas – proceed along Lord Street, then Peel Road, turn left at traffic lights into Pulrose Road, the ground is on the right and access to the the car park is the first turning on the right.
Parking: A large car park is accessible free adjacent to the ground.
Nearest Railway: N/A
Nearest Bus Route to Ground: From Lord Street, Douglas, take Nr 1A bus to Power Station
From Isle of Man Airport – take Nr 1 bus to Power Station Shelter, Douglas
On the day: There are no Bar Facilities at the ground and no alcohol is permitted to be consumed within the ground. Food & drink kiosks will be available, with supplier ‘Fork It’ providing burgers, pies, pasties alongside a range of hot and cold drinks in the away end.
Match Coverage & Live Stream
If you are unable to make the game, we’ll have all the live coverage across our media platforms.
Live Stream: Our hosts FC Isle of Man will be providing a live stream broadcast of the game for a fee of £6. This can be purchased here.
Courtesy of FC Isle of Man, the club is also hosting the showing of the game at Gigg Lane in both Starkies and 1885 Suite. Full details are here.
Starkies is SOLD OUT, and 1885 Suite tickets are limited and not many are left. Head over quick to snap them up: 1885 Suite ticket
Highlights will be provided post-match and keep up-to-date with all our video content via the club’s YouTube Channel. Click to subscribe and never miss highlights and match reaction across the season.
Audio Commentary: Roch Valley Radio will be providing commentary for this game. Click here ahead of kick-off to listen live. Audio commentary will be provided for every game of the season, so you will never miss a piece of the action.
Social Media: Our team will also bring you in-depth text commentary via the club ‘MatchDay Live‘ Twitter feed, with team news and half time and full time updates available also on Facebook and feel like you are there with our match galleries and imagery available over on Instagram.
Whatever the weather, wherever you are across the globe, we have you covered.
Up the Shakers!
