The ECAP-sponsored FA Cup got underway in earnest on Saturday afternoon with eight preliminary round fixtures.

There were no major shocks, but Premier League outfit Douglas Athletic were pushed all the way by second division Michael United at Balleira Road.

Andy Glover gave the westerners a 1-0 lead at half-time but Martin Cowan’s second half strike forced extra-time and the Pinks held their nerve to triumph in the penalty shootout.

Douglas and District produced a battling performance to restrict Premier League champions St Mary’s to a 4-0 scoreline, the goals coming via a Frank Jones brace plus Karl Clark and Jack McVey.

St George’s were in ruthless form as they thrashed second division Governor’s Athletic 14-0 at Glencrutchery Road. Nathan Cardy was the star of the show with a four-goal haul while Johnny Myers grabbed a hat-trick.

Joining them on the scoresheet were Ash Higginbotham, Jacob Crook and Joe Quayle with braces as well as a Jay Skelcher-Maxwell with a single strike.

Holders Peel proved too strong for Division Two side St John’s in a western derby of sorts at Douglas Road, with Lee Gale’s hat-trick and an own goal seal a 4-1 win for the hosts, Paul Whitehead netting a late consolation for the Saints.

Likewise, Rushen United got the better of Marown at the Memorial Playing Fields in Crosby as the Spaniards triumphed 7-2.

Onchan got back to winning ways with a 3-1 success over second division rivals Union Mills at Garey Mooar. Josh Welsh put the visitors in front before Barry English doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.

Jack Murray pulled a goal back for the Millers before half-time but English sealed his side’s place in the first round with another penalty after the break as the hosts were guilty of wasting several chances in front of goal.

The other all-Division Two clashes in the prelim round saw RYCOB and Ayre United record wins over Braddan and Gymns respectively.

Youthie were pushed hard though, with their game at Victoria Road all square at full-time before four goals in extra-time sealed a 5-1 win.

Extra-time certainly wasn’t needed in Tromode though, where the Tangerines romped to an emphatic 11-1 victory to seal their place in the next round.

Away from the FA Cup, Ramsey boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation in the Canada Life Premier League with a 5-2 victory over bottom-of-the-table Pulrose United, while in JCK Division Two Foxdale claimed a resounding 7-2 success over Malew at Billy Goat Park.

Saturday, January 4:

FA Cup preliminary round:

Laxey P-P Corinthians

Marown 2-7 Rushen

St Mary’s 4-0 Douglas and District

Michael United 1-1 Douglas Athletic (DAFC won on penalties)

Union Mills 1-3 Onchan

Peel 4-1 St John’s

Braddan 1-5 RYCOB

St George’s 14-0 Governor’s Athletic

Gymns 1-11 Ayre United

Canada Life Premier League

Ramsey 5-2 Pulrose United

JCK Division Two

Foxdale 7-2 Malew