Corinthians chances of winning a first Canada Life Premier League title took a severe blow on Tuesday evening as they lost 4-1 to Rushen United at Ballafletcher.
After defeating the southerners just over a week ago, and knocking St George’s out of the FA Cup last weekend, the Whites appeared to have built up some real momentum ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Peel.
Both sides started with attacking intent, but it was Rushen who took a 17th-minute lead.
Stephen Riding hitting an excellent strike from the corner of the box.
Eight minutes later the winger found the target in impressive fashion again. Michael Williams flicked the ball into the path of Riding before he drove home another impressive shot.
Rushen United’s good spell continued and they added a third when Mike Williams headed in Matty Lamb’s cross against a shell-shocked Whites.
On the stroke of half-time, Corinthians pulled a goal back following a Rushen corner. The hosts countered-attacked, Dan Simpson firing in a shot into the bottom-left corner.
Both sides had chances to add to their tallies in the second half, but it was Rushen who completed the scoring in the 69th minute. Harry Best collected a Thomas Strivens goal-kick and the former’s cut-back found Kelly. His initial shot was parried by Corinthians’ keeper Adam Killey, but Kelly was on hand to drill home the rebound.
The result knocks Corinthians off the top of the table, Rushen replacing them albeit having played a couple of games more than the chasing pack.
Reigning champions St George’s are up to second after a thumping 8-1 win over Douglas Royal.
Bottom side Ramsey gained a point for their top-flight survival fund as they drew 0-0 with St John’s to move within three points of third-bottom Colby who lost at home 0-5 to DHSOB. On target for Old Boys were Gary Quirk (2), Dean France, James McStay and Chris Coxon.
In the day’s other top-flight match Douglas Athletic beat Laxey 5-3 at Glen Road thanks to goals from Lee Ford (2), Connor Dowell, Martin Cowan and Mikey Callister.
In JCK Division Two, Foxdale reignited their promotion bid with a massive 18-0 victory over Governor’s Athletic in a match played at Douglas Road.
Jay Chatwood gave his Silver Boot hopes a huge boost as he plundered nine goals in the rout. Also on target were Kev Pulman (3), Andrew Berry (2), Matty Moffat, Charlie Harrison, Stevie Kelly and an own goal.
Union Mills came from behind to secure a point from Douglas and District in a 4-4 draw at Garey Mooar. Daniel Clague-Stewart hit all the visitors goals. Lee Christian, Luke Booth, Colm Garrity and Dylan Campbell netted for the Millers.
Tuesday, March 27
Canada Life Premier League
St George’s 8-1 Douglas Royal
Braddan P-P Peel
Laxey 3-5 Douglas Athletic
Corinthians 1-4 Rushen Utd
Colby 0-5 DHSOB
St John’s 0-0 Ramsey
JCK Division Two
Union Mills 4-4 Douglas and District
Foxdale 18-0 Governor’s Athletic