Marown boosted their hopes of retaining their top-flight status again next season with a 3-1 win over Douglas Athletic on Saturday.

The result means the Crosby side are now six points clear of the Canada Life Premier League’s bottom side Pulrose United who occupy the division’s sole relegation spot.

A brace from centre-back Matthew McQuarrie, including a 50-yard free-kick, and a cross come shot from Adam Mealin put Dave Brew’s men three up against the Pinks. Mikey Callister forced home what would turn out to be a consolation for the visitors who finished with 10 men after Lee Ford was sent off.

Pully remain rooted to the foot of the standings after they were beaten 3-1 at DHSOB.

Ramsey and Douglas Royal remain only three points better off than their relegation rivals from Springfield Road after they also slipped to defeats.

The northerners lost 4-2 at home to in-form Corinthians, while two late goals gave leaders St Mary’s a 3-1 win at Royal.

Rushen United took advantage of Peel and St George’s not playing to move back up to second with a 3-1 win over Laxey at Croit Lowey.

Jamie Johnston bagged a brace for the Spaniards joining Matty Lamb on the scoresheet for the Port Erin side who now trail reigning champions St Mary’s by nine points, but having played a game less.

In JCK Division Two, leaders Colby slipped to a 2-1 defeat away at Foxdale. Kevin Pulman and Stuart Morrison were on target for Dale who will be firmly in the promotion race if they win the four games in hand they have in hand on most.

Ayre United won to move level on 34 points with Colby at the head of the standings.

United beat Malew 7-0. Union Mills are three points behind the leaders after they battled to a 6-2 win victory over Gymns.

St John’s would have gone top on 35 points if they had beaten western rivals Michael United at Balleira Road, but the game at the exposed west coast location was abandoned after 37 minutes because of strong winds.

Onchan’s top-four hopes took a blow as they were beat 2-0 by RYCOB.

At the foot of the second tier, Governor’s Athletic picked up only their fourth point of the season as they drew 2-2 at Douglas and District.

Friday, February 7

JCK Limited Combination Two

St John’s 7-1 Michael United

Saturday, February 8

Canada Life Premier League

DHSOB 3-1 Pulrose

Douglas Royal 1-3 St Mary’s

Marown 3-1 Douglas Athletic

Ramsey 2-4 Corinthians

Rushen United 3-1 Laxey

JCK Limited Division Two

Ayre 7-0 Malew

Douglas & District 2-2 Governor’s Athletic

Foxdale 2-1 Colby

Gymns 2-6 Union Mills

Michael A-A St John’s Game halted by ref after 37 minutes because of high winds

RYCOB 2-0 Onchan

Canada Life Combination One

Corinthians 11-2 Ramsey

Douglas Athletic 3-0 Marown

Laxey 2-3 Rushen

St George’s 9-0 Castletown

St Mary’s L-L Douglas Royal

JCK Limited Combination Two

Colby 2-1 Foxdale

Governor’s Athletic 1-5 Douglas & District

Malew 3-3 Ayre

Onchan 2-3 RYCOB

Union Mills 11-2 Gymns