Ellan Vannin beat CONIFA’s top-ranked side Panjab 2-1 in a friendly in Cheshire on Sunday, despite 11 of the squad being involved in Saturday’s Hospital Cup semis.

Goals from Peel’s Lee Gale and Corinthians’ Dan Simpson ensured Chris Bass Sr’s side continued its preparations for the summer’s Paddy Power World Football Cup with victory at Sandbach United’s ground.

The high-pressing game used by the Manx caused problems for the Panjab from the start and in the 22nd minute Gale opened the scoring after a long throw from Simpson.

This brought some urgency to the Panjab play and it wasn’t long before their quality forward line fashioned a great opportunity which the Manx were delighted to see rebound off the woodwork.

The second half began with the Panjab having a lot more possession and it wasn’t long before Rushen’s Dean Kearns was required to pull off two excellent saves.

The islanders weathered the storm and started to fashion chances of their own and in the 72nd minute the impressive Simpson finished off a superb sweeping move to bury the ball into the far corner of the net.

Aa sloppy clearance in the sixth minute of added time gifted Panjab a goal at the death.

Ellan Vannin: Dean Kearns, Sam Caine, Sean Quaye, Tom Wood, Julian Ringham, Lee Gale, Joey Quayle, Frank Jones (C), Dan Simpson, Furo Davies, Sean Doyle. Subs: Alex Holden, Stephen Whitley, Joel Ibanez. Match officials: Dave Murphy, Peter Cain and Olly Johnson.