TWO of the league’s in-form sides go head-to-head in JCK Division Two at Ballafletcher this weekend, looking to move closer to the top four and a potential Gold Cup qualification place.
Both Douglas Royal and Foxdale have won four out of their last five games - form which is only bettered by league leaders Michael and Ayre - to surge up the table following indifferent starts to the season.
They now lie fifth and sixth respectively with two points separating them, although crucially Foxdale have two games in hand following a brace of postponements.
There was little to choose between the sides when they met last season, with Foxdale winning at Ballafletcher and Royal claiming the points at Billy Goat Park, so all signs point to this being another close encounter which could go a long way to defining their seasons.
Sandwiching those two teams in the standings are Ayre in fourth and seventh-placed Braddan who go up against each other in Andreas. Like Royal and Foxdale, Ayre endured a somewhat difficult start to the campaign but have bounced back in style with 16 points from a possible 18 in their last six outings, culminating in Saturday’s 7-2 victory at Pulrose.
However, Braddan will still be reeling from a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Royal and will be keen to get their own top-four ambitions back on track as soon as possible.
Elsewhere, Colby will be favourites to continue their good run of form when they entertain Douglas and District at their new ground.
The southerners have surprised many already this season and are currently lying in a very healthy second place a couple of points behind Michael United, however they will have to be on their toes against an unpredictable D&D which took three points off them last season.
Should Colby slip up then RYCOB will be waiting in the wings ready to take advantage when they host Douglas Athletic at Schoil ree Gorree. Youthie thumped D&D 6-0 at the weekend to maintain third place in the league and will be odds on to get a similar result this Saturday but Athletic recently held Ayre to a 2-2 draw so RYCOB will need to be wary of complacency.
Elsewhere in the second division, leaders Michael take on Pulrose at Balleira Road looking for their 10th successive win while the bottom two, Ronaldsway and Onchan, go head-to-head in Ballasalla.