Rushen United boosted their hopes of qualifying for this season’s Railway Cup thanks to a hard-fought victory over DHSOB on Saturday afternoon.

The match at Croit Lowey was postponed earlier in the season and therefore counts as one of the crucial matches in the race for qualification for the delayed Railway Cup.

Hosts Rushen started brightly in Port Erin and took the lead when Mike Williams headed home Jack Saxon’s cross to the back post.

Despite that setback, Old Boys responded well and bossed the remainder of the half, grabbing an equaliser just before the break when Callum Stewart fired past the impressive Dean Kearns.

The second half was a different story though, as the Spaniards simply took the chances that came their way.

They retook the lead when Josh Kelly was brought down inside the area and Saxon slotted home the resulting spot-kick.

Saxon turned provider again with a fine throughball which allowed Williams to slot home his second of the afternoon, before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot after substitute Harry Best was fouled in the box.

In the only other Canada Life Premier League match, St Mary’s saw off the challenge of Douglas Athletic in the early kickoff at the Bowl.

The Saints edged ahead in the 28th minute thanks to hitman Steven Priestnal to lead 1-0 at the break, before running away with the points in the second half thanks to Priestnal completing his hat-trick and Brian Crellin getting his name on the scoresheet.

In JCK Division Two there were big wins for Marown and Onchan against Ayre United and Governor’s Athletic respectively.

Marown thrashed the Tangerines 8-0 at the Memorial Playing Fields thanks largely to Ashley Higginbottom who helped himself to no fewer than five goals. Joining him on the scoresheet were Andy O’Neill, Sean Shimmin and Ryan Dean.

Jack Powell was the star of the show at Bemahague as he scored four goals to help Onchan get the better of Governor’s.

Also getting amongst the goals were Mark Rees with a brace and Connor Prescott completed the scoring.

Results from Saturday, January 20

Canada Life Premier League

Rushen 4-1 DHSOB

St Mary’s 4-0 Douglas Athletic

JCK Division Two

Governor’s Athletic 2-7 Onchan

Marown 8-0 Ayre United

Canada Life Combination One

Peel 8-1 Colby

JCK Combination Two

Pulrose 4-3 Castletown

Onchan 6-2 Governor’s Athletic

Douglas and District 1-1 Gymns