NO fewer than nine of the Canada Life Premier League’s finest make their seasonal bow in the latest Isle of Man Newspapers Team of the Week after impressing during Saturday’s raft of top-flight fixtures.
The debuts start at the back with Gymns goalkeeper Chris Kelly earning his first TotW spot of the 2012-13 campaign after producing a number of fine saves in the Tromode side’s impressive draw at Peel.
In front of the former St George’s stopper three of the TotW’s back four make the coveted line-up for the first time this term.
Corinthians full-back Tom Callister earns his maiden TotW spurs of the season after his showing caught the eye of Eric Clague’s player ratings panel as the Whites held Premier League pacesetters Laxey to a draw at Ballafletcher.
Along side Callister, midfielders turned centre-backs Johnny Myers (St George’s) and Robbie Ward (DHSOB) slot into the hypothetical XI for the first time this campaign after impressing at either end of the pitch during Geordies’ narrow 0-1 win at Blackberry Lane.
Corinthians have emerged as surprise contenders for one of the division’s Railway Cup spots after some fine early season showings. One of the catalysts of this has been the form of Louis Thornton and the former junior island international makes his second TotW appearance of the season after impressing as an emergency centre-back after Chris Feeney was sent off in the 1-1 draw with Laxey at Ballafletcher.
Also claiming his second TotW stripes of the term is St Mary’s playmaker Brian Crellin. The Saints midfielder was one of Castletown’s main tormentors as the Bowl outfit cruised to an 0-8 win at the Stadium.
Joining Crellin in the middle third are Union Mills duo Kyle Uren and Matty Cain plus Laxey’s Paul Rowley and St George’s match-winner Gary Quirk.
Uren and Cain were instrumental in helping their side to a 5-2 win over Ramsey on Saturday, the promoted Millers first since their return to the rigours of the Canada Life Premier League.
The fleet-footed Cain also go on the scoresheet as Derek Cowley’s Division Two champions jumped up to eighth in the fledgling top-flight standings.
Combative central midfielder Rowley was Laxey’s star turn as the league leaders just about preserved their unbeaten start to the term, while wing wizard Quirk scored a scorcher to earn St George’s a welcome win against former club DHSOB.
Filling the side’s sole striking berth this week is St Mary’s hot shot Steven Priestnal – the multiple Golden Boot winner staked his claim for this year’s goalscoring accolade with a three-goal salvo against Castletown.
Brandishing the Referee of the Week whistle this week is Andy Lodge after he enjoyed a good game in the middle during Union Mills’ 5-2 triumph over Ramsey.
Team of the Week 8/9/12
Goalkeeper
Chris Kelly (Gymns) TotW appearances this season: 1
Defence
Tom Callister (Corinthians) TotW apps: 1
Louis Thornton (Corinthians) TotW apps: 2
Johnny Myers (St George’s) TotW apps: 1
Robbie Ward (DHSOB) TotW apps: 1
Midfield
Gary Quirk (St George’s) TotW apps: 1
Brian Crellin (St Mary’s) TotW apps: 2
Paul Rowley (Laxey) TotW apps: 1
Kyle Uren (Union Mills) TotW apps: 1
Matty Cain (Union Mills) TotW apps: 1
Forward
Steven Priestnal (St Mary’s) TotW apps: 1
Referee
Andy Lodge (Union Mills v Ramsey) RotW apps: 1