Isle Of Man League v Midland Combination (Div 1)
FA Carlsberg National League System Cup
Semi-Final
Saturday 5 April 2008
The Bowl, Douglas
Click here for fixtures

The second Semi-Final in The FA Carlsberg National League System Cup takes place on Saturday at the Bowl in Douglas, with the holders, Isle of Man League, playing hosts to the Midland Combination (Div 1) side. 

It is ironic that this is the first time that the Manxmen have staged a home tie in the competition, having played five games away from the Island when lifting the trophy in 2006 and having already played two away from home this time around. 

With the added benefit of having the Final on their home patch, both sides will be going flat out to reach the showpiece and be within touching distance of the coveted place in the UEFA Regions Cup.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s tie, Manx manager Kevin Manning stated that he is expecting a tough 90 minutes. 

“The game will be tough and physically demanding,” he said.

“My side are extremely fit and will be more than capable of matching the Midland Combination side. 

“I do not expect to have any injury problems and all players in the squad should be fit for selection.  No player is guaranteed a place in the starting line-up though and I will select the team that I think will do the best job on the day.”

His opposite number, Martin Harrison, is quietly confident of making the Final too and is hopeful that the weather will play its part in making it a good game. 

Having watched the Islanders in their last-gasp win at Liverpool in the previous round, he is more than aware of their strengths

“They are a very well organised, solid team with a great work ethic,” he revealed. 

“I will send the team out to play to our plan and not treat the opposition in any specific way, so it’s up to them to worry about us.

“It would be wrong to say that I haven’t thought about the Final, but I am not underestimating the Isle Of Man in any way.  We will be well prepared and leave nothing to chance.”

Both sides were represented at Dulwich Hamlet last week to see the Southern Amateur League reach to the Final and both bosses know that whoever progresses will have a difficult 90 minutes ahead of them in the Final on Saturday 3 May.

The venue for the Final will be announced on Monday.