IT was a day of ups and downs in the latest chapter of the Sure Mobile Premier League on Saturday as the table's lower-placed sides showed some grit while the likes of Old Boys and Peel continued their charge at the top.
The Blackberry Lane outfit have been in irresistible form of late and now appear to be emerging as the main threat to champions-elect from the Sunset City.
However, just one Old Boys player finds his way into the Team of the Week on this occasion as their resident shot-stopper Sam Holliday rightly takes his place between the posts following another stand-out display against the in-form Laxey.
In front of the crafty keeper is a menacing four-man defence all thoroughly deserving of their place in the dream 11.
>> Fixtures: March 21-22>> Johnny Myers and Chris Cannell scoop monthly football accoladeKicking things off is Gymns' talent Barry Hardinge who played a key role in helping his side to a priceless 2-0 win over Ramsey to all-but end any talk of relegation this season for the Tromode club.
Two centre-back heavyweights line up alongside the Douglas ace in the form of Peel's Rob Cottier and Michael United's Kieran Quinn who both once again produced two exemplarily efforts for their teams.
Cottier proved to be a bridge too far for the Ayre frontline as the westerners churned out a hard-fought 3-1 win in Andreas while Quinn's performance helped his side further condemn freefalling Colby.
Completing the back four is Cottier's team-mate Danny Lace who makes it a Peel double at the back as Rick Holden's captain fantastic led by example to further underline his reputation as the best left-back in the Island.
Michael's Johnny Holland rightly takes his place in the centre of midfield as he once again proved to be one of his side's star performers as the Aces took another giant step away from the relegation zone with a 2-0 win.
Union Mills undoubtedly pulled off the result of the day with a superb 1-1 draw against St George's and they're represented this week by their fiery-haired assassin Danny McMahon alongside Corinthians' Josh Ridings who continued his excellent form against Rushen United.
Ridings's efforts proved to be still not enough though as the Spaniards prevailed 3-1 at Noble's Park, spearheaded by a series of magical runs by forward Steve Riding.
The southern ace has been knocking on Mr Manning's door for some time now and 2009 should see him win his first international cap.
No stranger to the national set-up, Chris Bass Jr reminded us all just why he is the reigning Player of the Year with another majestic performance to add to his catalogue as Geordies were held by Millers.
Completing this week's line-up is Gymns' shining star Ciaran McNulty who bolstered his season's goal tally with a brace against Ramsey as yet again the striker stole the show for Kieran Iveagh's troopers as the 08-09 saga continues to unravel in spectacular style.
This week's Referee of the Week is Mark Stevens who produced a sure and commanding performance in the centre of the park at Garey Mooar as the hosts held St George's to a priceless draw.
Team of the Week (4-3-1-2)Goalkeeper: Sam Holliday (DHSOB)
Defence: Barry Hardinge (Gymns), Rob Cottier (Peel), Kierran Quinn (Michael) and Danny Lace (Peel)
Midfield: Josh Ridings (Corinthians), Johnny Holland (Michael) and Danny McMahon (Union Mills)
Forward: Chris Bass Jr (St George's)
Strikers: Ciaran McNulty (Gymns) and Steve Riding (Rushen)
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The Team of the Week is compiled from marks awarded under the Isle of Man Newspapers player ratings scheme and includes the top-scoring goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and strikers.
Scoring is co-ordinated by football statistician Eric Clague who sends a panel of neutral observers to assess local fixtures.
The aim is to highlight the players who perform to a consistently high level for their clubs.
