Robertshaw's last-gasp double denies Corinthians

Two last-gasp goals helped reigning Canada Life Premier League champions Peel snatch a dramatic late draw against Corinthians at Douglas Road on Saturday afternoon.

Just when the Whites looked set to move six points clear at the top of the table and the westerners appeared destined for another defeat - trailing 3-1 deep into stoppage time - up stepped Jake Robertshaw.

The Peel number 10 struck twice in added time to earn the home side a share of the spoils in the Sunset City.

In recent years this fixture has been Manx football's top billing, but Peel were without attacking trio Lee Gale (injury) plus Jason Charmer and Tomas Brown, who are now plying their trade with FC Isle of Man, while Corinthians appeared to be at full strength.

The visitors made the perfect start and opened the scoring after only three minutes when Ryan Burns floated a free-kick into the penalty area where Sean Doyle flicked the ball on to Luke Murray.

With his back to goal and closely marked, Murray juggled the ball before turning and volleying home from close range to make it 1-0.

The lead lasted only four minutes though. Sam Chapman received the ball back following his throw-in deep inside Corinthians territory and delivered a cross into the box.

After a flick-on, Ben Sturgeon spun away from his marker and fired a diagonal shot beyond the outstretched arm of Matthew Quirk and into the net to restore parity.

Despite the lively opening, much of the first half became a more subdued affair, with the hosts creating the better openings.

Aaron Costain drove a shot straight at Quirk, while moments later Ben Woodbridge delivered a dangerous pass into the box that narrowly evaded his team-mates.

Lewis Brew fired over following a corner, while Peel's best opportunity came when Sturgeon struck a low effort against the post.

Just before the break, the Whites nearly restored their advantage. Simpson's corner was nodded on and Murray's header at the far post bounced agonisingly off the upright.

Corinthians emerged after the interval with renewed purpose. As they have done so often this season, they pressed Peel deep inside their own half and made the pitch seem increasingly small.

Murray forced a good save, while Simpson's low cross was parried by Dawson at the striker's feet. The loose ball spun out to Burns, whose effort was brilliantly cleared off the line by Daniel Bell.

The pressure eventually told in the 62nd minute. A Peel free-kick was intercepted by Simpson, whose pass launched a counter-attack. Doyle raced towards goal and, despite the westerners' defence recovering to close him down, he calmly guided his shot into the net.

The Whites continued to dominate. Doyle headed wide from a cross and the Whites appeared to put the game beyond doubt in the 78th minute.

After collecting a Chapman free-kick, Quirk launched the ball down the right. Simpson's pass found Doyle in the centre, who threaded a defence-splitting pass into the path of Murray who ran through and curled his finish beyond Dawson to make it 3-1.

Peel were staring at their third league defeat of the season already and, having created little during the second half, even the most ardent home supporter seemed resigned to the outcome.

Then Robertshaw took centre stage.

In the first minute of added time, he produced the goal of the game. Cutting in from the left onto his stronger foot, he unleashed an audacious long-range strike that flew into the top corner to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

The spectators, from the Terry Vincent Stand to the Shed, cheered their approval as Peel suddenly had belief and momentum.

Two minutes later, the westerners completed an astonishing comeback.

Launching another attack, Matthew Woods picked out Robertshaw on the right who lifted a delicate effort towards the far corner, the ball dropping perfectly into the top-left side of the net.

Peel celebrated wildly. Corinthians stood stunned.

Another compelling chapter had been written in this season's Premier League title race.

Elsewhere at the weekend, St John’s United recorded a convincing 5-0 victory over Colby in the Canada Life Premier League on Saturday, with Dean Leece scoring four times and Liam Sayle also finding the net.

Union Mills claimed a thrilling 4-3 away win over Laxey, with Dane Leadbetter leading the way with a brace. Jordan Crawley and Tyler Hughes also scored for the visitors to secure all three points and continue their fine start to the season.

Joe Walters, Shaun Kelly and Ethan Hawley were on target for Laxey, but their efforts proved in vain as Union Mills edged a seven-goal contest.

St Mary’s also picked up three points after beating Rushen United 3-2. Sammy Gelling, Tyrese Thompson and Mark Wolfenden scored for St Mary’s, while Ashley Blake and Scott Mason were on target for the Spaniards.