A 94th‑minute equaliser from Alex Marley earned Marown a hard‑fought point against a resurgent Malew on Saturday — and continued the southern side’s frustrating habit of dropping points on the road.

The Crosby outfit are a side that are looking to consolidate in Ardern and Druggan Division Two following two successive relegations from the top flight.

Malew, meanwhile, have been one of the league’s surprise packages. Their strong finish to last season has carried into this campaign and they remain unbeaten.

Yet away from home, costly late moments have repeatedly denied them maximum points: a missed penalty at DHSOB in midweek, and now another last‑gasp setback.

Malew began with real intent, pressing early and forcing a series of corners. From one, Paul Whitley flicked over at the near post before another chance presented itself after Paddy Cooper’s teasing delivery was half‑punched clear, allowing Sam Greasley to drive over the bar.

As the half‑hour approached, Marown grew into the contest. Bobby Thorne latched onto a ball over the top and lifted his effort over the crossbar. Patrick Knight cut in from the right and forced a save at the near post, and Charlie Scarffe then headed wide a chance when unmarked.

Marown's Harry Barton and Malew's Paul Whitley rise high to challenge for a header at the Memorial Playing Fields (Photo: Paul Hatton)
Marown's Harry Barton and Malew's Paul Whitley rise high to challenge for a header at the Memorial Playing Fields (Photo: Paul Hatton) (Paul Hatton)

Both sides went close within a minute. After a Marown corner, Harry Barton’s header was parried at close range and Malew immediately countered, Whitley releasing Kieran Krypner whose strike was superbly kept out by Harry Horbury’s outstretched leg. Krypner reacted quickest to the rebound but could only drive into the side netting.

Marown remained on top. Knight had another effort saved and Connor Gilbert fired over from distance.

Malew’s frustration grew when captain Cooper was sin‑binned, but on the stroke of half‑time the visitors snatched the lead. Krypner curled in a cross from the left, causing hesitation between Horbury and his centre‑backs, and Whitley pounced to put Malew ahead.

After the break, the Ballasalla outfit threatened to double their advantage. Greasley smashed an effort against the crossbar, Cooper struck over from long range and Krypner’s angled shot was well saved by Horbury.

Marown captain Dave Reynolds neutralises a Malew attack and brings the ball forward for the home side (Photo: Paul Hatton)
Marown captain Dave Reynolds neutralises a Malew attack and brings the ball forward for the home side (Photo: Paul Hatton) (Paul Hatton)

Marown responded when Marley lifted a through‑ball over the bar and, just after the hour mark, they levelled matters.

A Malew corner was cleared, sparking a counter-attack which appeared to be ending when Gilbert’s effort looked to be drifting out, but Knight kept it alive and squared for Marley who drove home an angled finish.

Five minutes later though, Malew restored their lead. Marown attempted to play out from the back, but Whitley intercepted and set up Cooper who rifled his shot into the roof of the net.

Malew should have seen the game out. They created corners and promising attacking moves, but instead pushed for a third - a decision that ultimately cost them the points.

Deep into added time, Whitley attempted a backheel flick that failed, resulting in an attack breaking down.

Dave Reynolds intercepted and launched the ball to the opposite flank. Marley collected in space on the left, spotted the goalkeeper off his line, and exquisitely dinked his effort over him, the ball dropping perfectly into the net for a dramatic equaliser.

Seconds later, octogenarian referee Peter Lewis blew for full‑time and the points were shared.