MANCHESTER WANDERERS v DOUGLAS

With Douglas secure in mid table the Manx side are in position to play the king makers in their next two matches as they play both the sides fighting over the remaining promotion place. As Manchester Wanderers and Halton have also to play each other Douglas can play a pivotal position in deciding the final promotion places.

First off Douglas travel this weekend to Manchester Wanderers to play a re -arranged game with the league in their wisdom had originally had been scheduled to be played on the final Saturday before Christmas. Needless to say the thought of travelling with Christmas party hangovers did not appeal to the players and sense prevailed. With Manchester Wanderers fighting for promotion this is bound to be a difficult fixture for the Manx side.

Prior to Christmas Manchester Wanderers were the form side of the league and looked as though they might go through the season undefeated. However a couple of injuries in the New Year to key players and their form suddenly fell away but with these clearing up they appear to have hit form again in recent weeks.

  The big quandary with regard to form though this week is whether with six nations being back on they will be missing players to the crowd at Twickenham. Douglas have certainly been hit by players travelling to London to see if England can hopefully retain their 100% losing record at home this year in the tournament. The Manx side will therefore definitely see changes from the side that travelled last week to Runcorn. Some of these changes will be positive with the return of youngsters such as Bobby Ranscombe and Nick Horsthuis who were left at home last weekend for the sake of their health and Pete Moorhouse who was unavailable.

  Douglas therefore may well field a stronger side than last week and with their mind on the game rather than self preservation captain Andy Malpass is optimistic that the Manx side can return with the points. Andy though at times has slightly more misplaced confidence than Icarus a win for the Manx side should not be discounted, but with Manchester Wanderers returning to full strength and fitness the incentive of promotion should see them through.

Gethin Taylor