Venue: The Bowl, IM2 IAD
Date: Saturday 1st November, 6pm kick off
Competition: NWCFL Premier Division
Adults: £10
Concession: £6
6-11: £3
Under 5: FREE

The Longridge takeover of the Isle of Man is nigh.

With both sides hitting form in time for the game, it should make for what a Longridge vs Isle of Man game always is.... an end to end basketball match.

We can't wait to see the Ridge army over in Douglas.

Be sure to send us your photos over on our social media.

As for as bars and pubs go, we'll be spoilt.

Jak's bar is always a favourite, whilst Pinewood public house is cracking choice pre-match.

Food places are aplenty in Douglas too.

Represent Longridge with pride, and make yourselves heard on gameday.

You can pre-purchase your ticket here: https://www.fcisleofman.im/tickets/?srsltid=AfmBOooSbCAIfW9DtWNhvRH3O5v5K0KLADYiRLcGywH8EZ6-oMY4M9YR

However if you are unable to make it, do not fret as you can watch the game at home on the official Isle of Man stream that will be able to purchase on the day of the game.

Our sponsors Wilfrid's club are having the stream so you can always watch there.

The Opposition

Due to players moving on, the Ravens aren't quite challenging as they would've hoped.

Following the departure of manager Paul Jones, caretaker manager Rick Holden has since taken the reigns, winning 2 out of his 5 games in charge.

However just as Town, they're unbeaten in their last 3 games, with two wins inside of that.

Charlie Higgins' 11 goals has played a huge part in Isle of Man being able to hover outside the bottom two.

Not to mention a stunning six MOTM's.

However, winger Dean Pinnington still plys his trade over at the Bowl after a short spell at Bury.

He's put in some good performances against the Ridge in recent times.

Either way it'll be a tough game, it always is.

However Town have a decent record in Douglas, winning 2 out of 3 trips there.

Need we remind you of the 2023 meeting?

If we must: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_sUHvqgb24

H2H

Longridge 1-3 Isle of Man - 19/10/24
Isle of Man 0-1 Longridge - 10/08/24
Isle of Man 3-2 Longridge - 09/03/24
Longridge 0-2 Isle of Man - 26/08/23
Longridge 1-3 Isle of Man - 02/04/23
Isle of Man 3-5 Longridge - 18/03/23

Form Guide

Longridge:
Position: 11th
Form table: 15th
Current form: WWDLL
Goals scored: 44
Goals against: 35

FC Isle of Man:
Position: 21st
Form table: 13th
Current form: WDWLL
Goals scored: 21
Goals against: 45

Team News

With goalkeeper Oliver Bellizia recovering from a broken hand, Kai Crowe joins the club on loan from Blackpool.

He had a fantastic debut during last weekend's 5-1 victory over Irlam.

A game that saw young midfielder Josh Ashe get his first goal of the club.

Matt Van Wyk also took his overall goal contributions tally up to 10, with 6 goals and 4 assists for the season now.

Jordan Dainty was also back amongst the goals, also getting an assist in the process.

Both players coming off the bench to great effect.

Saturday will be our fourth visit to the Isle of Man, however it will be assistant manager Charlie Russell's first.

When asked about the prospect of being in the dugout overseas for the first time, he said:

"Yeah it's very exciting.

"It's something different and I know that a few of the lads have done it now for the past few years but we're not going to get carried away with it.

"It's another game of football, it's a league game and three points is the aim isn't it?

"We have to build on Saturday, it's no good playing as well as we did in the second half and then going to the Isle of Man and throwing it away, and it'll be a really tough test.

"You've got to put in the elements of the travel, all the early get ups, the hotels etc.

"It's something that we're looking forward to but again we have to build on Saturday."

We also quizzed midfielder Luke Smith following his MOTM performance.

"I thought we were brilliant on Saturday, from defence to attack.

"I can't wait for Saturday to be fair, it's a good day out but hopefully we can get the three points so it'll be worth it."

We can't wait to see the Ridge army out in force on Saturday.

#UpTheRidge