FA Carlsberg National League System Cup
Second Round
Saturday 1 December 2007
Click here for fixtures

The Isle of Man League finally begin their defence of The FA Carlsberg National League System Cup tomorrow. 

Having been exempt until the Second Round, they are now faced with a tricky away tie at Harton and Westoe FC against the Wearside League. 

This will be the sixth successive tie in which they have been drawn away from home and if they are victorious on Saturday, they will be away again in the Third Round, with the winners travelling to take on the Liverpool County Premier League. 

However, the Isle of Man manager, Kevin Manning, is looking forward to the challenges ahead for his team.

“I’m delighted to be back in the competition,” he said. 

“However, as holders, we are mindful that everyone will be looking for the big scalp.

“We are no longer an unknown force and I feel that it will be more difficult this time around. We have prepared well and brought a few new faces into the squad. 

“We are desperate to do well and we’ll be doing everything possible to retain the trophy.  The experience of representing England in the UEFA Regions Cup last year is something you can only dream about and we want to be there again.” 

Also playing on Saturday are the Midland Combination (Div 1) who entertain the Hertfordshire Senior County League at Coventry Sphinx FC (kick-off 3pm). 

The final Second Round tie is on Saturday 15 December when the Dorset Premier League play hosts to the Reading League at Gillingham Town FC.