Max Murley has been named as the first Canada Life Player of the Month of the new Isle of Man football season.

The Laxey man produced a string of strong performances during the opening weeks of the 2020-21 campaign to help the Miners stay in contention for a possible Railway Cup spot.

As such, the versatile Glen Road star impressed Eric Clague’s player ratings panel to garner 11 points and see off the challenge of St John’s defender Sam Ingham to take the top honours for August.

One point back, the latter was the standout player for the newly-promoted Saints thanks to several fine showings in the heart of the Mullen-e-Cloie defence upon their return to the Premier League.

Laxey’s good start to the season is further showcased by David Reynolds completing the monthly top three only half a point behind Ingham.

Reynolds excelled in the Miners’ defence to help the Glen Road side record victories over the likes of Douglas Athletic, Peel and Douglas Royal, as well as snatching a point away at reigning top flight champions St Mary’s.

No fewer than three players matched each other on eight points, namely Ramsey’s Jamie Corlett, Rushen United’s Alex Maitland and yet another Laxey man, talented attacker Matty Wilkinson.

The latter played a key role in the Miners’ strong start to the new campaign, chipping in with five goals - including a hat-trick against Royal - and several assists.

As such, Wilkinson was named as the Young Player of the Month before heading off to university.

Player of the Month standings for August: 1, Max Murley (Laxey) 11 points; 2, Sam Ingham (St John’s) 10; 3, David Reynolds (Laxey) 9.5; 4=, Jamie Corlett (Ramsey), Alex Maitland (Rushen Utd), Matty Wilkinson (Laxey) 8; 7, Dylan Pickles (Ramsey) 7.5; 8=, Sam Baines (Douglas Royal), Karl Clark (St Mary’s), Adam Cooil (Rushen), Johnny Shields (Ayre United), Jamie Wight (DHSOB) 7; 13=, Adam Kinvig (Douglas Athletic), Callum Taggart (St John’s) 6.5; 15=, Cameron Avery (Marown), Dan Hattersley (Rushen), Callum Sherry (Douglas Royal), Ste Whitley (Corinthians) 6; 19=, Jacob Crook (St George’s), Connor Gilbert (Marown), Matty McQuarrie (Marown), Jack McVey (St Mary’s) 5.5.