Saints stun Peel to claim derby bragging rights

St John's claimed the western derby bragging rights to inflict another defeat on reigning Canada Life Premier League champions Peel on Saturday afternoon.

In a topsy-turvy game at Douglas Road, Rhys Oates gave the Saints an 11th-minute lead against his former club, only for Lewis Brew to equalise immediately.

Callum Taggart restored the visitors' lead moments later, but Tomas Brown levelled from the penalty spot before half-time, with Saints manager Will Brown being set off at the interval.

After the break, Scott Horne fired Peel in front with a fine free-kick, but Dean Leece dragged St John's level five minutes later.

The away side were dealt a blow when Adam Somerville was shown a straight red but that failed to deter the Saints, who grabbed a winner with 19 minutes remaining when Alex Holden – son of Peel legend Rick Holden – slotted home to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for the visitors.

Peel's misery was compounded late on when Tomas Brown was shown a second yellow as the hosts ended the day with 10 men.

Having lost 2-1 to Onchan seven days earlier, Peel have now lost back-to-back games and are already six points adrift of title rivals Corinthians.

The Whites maintained their 100 per cent start to the season with another emphatic victory, beating Onchan 7-1 to make it five victories from five matches (see report in this week’s Examiner).

St Mary’s were also in impressive scoring form as they won 7-2 away to Colby.

Mark Wolfenden was the star of the show, scoring five times for the Saints, while Tommy Callow and Joe Bergquist completed the visitors’ tally. Colby replied through Adam Blackburn and Seb Spiers.

Laxey recorded their first league victory of the season in emphatic fashion, thrashing RYCOB 8-0.

Brody Patience led the way with two goals, with Jamie Callister, Matty Ogden, Adam Mealin, Joe Walters, Chris Walsh and Noah Campbell also getting on the scoresheet.

Union Mills continued their unbeaten start with a 2-0 victory over Rushen United, with Lewis Hicks and Tyler Hughes scoring for the Millers.