An impressive second-half performance from Douglas Royal - in which they scored four goals without reply - ensured they got the maximum yield against Douglas Athletic at Springfield Road on Tuesday evening.

In this six-point relegation battle fixture in the Canada Life Premier League, both sides had chances in the first half, only for the two goalkeepers Elliot Nelson and Harry Horbury to pull off some decent saves and both goals remained intact.

After the break though, Royal started to show their teeth and Taylor Andrews had a goal ruled out for offside, as did Martin Cowan for the hosts.

Royal found the all-important breakthrough on 51 minutes when James Callow’s swerving cross eluded everybody barring an unmarked Jonny Quirk to sweep home at the far post.

Seven minutes later, the visitors doubled their lead when Andrews was brought down by the Athletic shot-stopper before he picked himself up and made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-0.

Royal strengthened their grip two minutes later with a third goal following a counter-attack on the right, Andrews turning provider by passing inside for Dom McHarrie-Brennan to guide into the top left.

Athletic’s five-year stay within the top flight looks precarious this season and Royal scored a fourth in the closing stages when another penalty was awarded following a handball.

Again Andrews showed coolness from with the spot-kick, picking to place his effort into the bottom left to secure three vital points for the Ballafletcher outfit.

PAUL HATTON