The Isle of Man FA’s men’s team kicked off its run of six pre-season friendlies with a draw and a win over the Duke of Lancaster Regiment at the Bowl on Wednesday evening.

The two halfs of 45 minutes were treated as separate games. The first half was a very tight and competitive affair. St John’s Rhys Oates gave the Manx the lead before Lance Corporal Johnston equalised on the stroke of half-time.

After the break the island side introduced a completely different 11. This coupled with the exertions of a 36th friendly this month for the Army side, saw the visitors fade and Stephen Whitley (4) and Furo Davies (2) took advantage to plunder six goals between them.

Jones’s squad face the Welsh Premier League outfit Connah’s Quay Nomads at the Bowl on Saturday afternoon.

Nomads, who are managed by former Man City defender Andy Morrison, are using the match as preperation ahead of their Europa League qualifier on July 12.

Isle of Man FA squad for Connah’s Quay game: Sam Holliday, Matt Quirk, Luke Doherty, Ryan Burns, Tom Wood, Sam Caine, Joe Quayle, Jack McVey, Dan Simpson, Rhys Oates, Ashley Higginbottom, Sean Doyle, Cameron Lee, Alex Harrison,

Frank Jones, Matthew Woods, Joe Walters, Mike Williams, Stephen Whitley, Alex Maitland.