Although he was only on for a brief 10-minute spell, Shaun Kelly transformed Saturday’s wind-dominated Canada Life Premier League contest between Douglas Royal and Ayre United.

The exciting Ayre United midfielder has struggled with injury in recent weeks and was only thrown into the contest in the closing stages at Ballafletcher because the visitors were struggling to find an equaliser.

Kelly turned the game on its head as the man of the match scored two late goals to seal the three points for the Tangerines.

The opening half had little to excite those watching with both sides struggling to keep the ball under control in the difficult conditions.

The two teams also found problems creating chances, with the first being carved out by the lively Dominic McHarrie-Brennan that was deflected wide of the visitors’ goal.

The first real shot on target was fashioned at the other end by the busy Danny Oram which drew a smart save from in-form Royal goalkeeper Harry Horbury.

Then, 10 minutes from the break, the deadlock was finally broken when a well-placed free-kick from the talented Taylor Andrews was deflected home by Jamie Agnew for his sixth goal of the season to give the home team the advantage.

A goal down at the interval, the Tangerines made an impressive start to the second period with Oram sending an inviting ball across the home side’s goal.

Steve Jauncey’s boys then stepped up the pressure and another effort from the tenacious Johnny Shields was scrambled clear of the home goal. Royal’s defence, though, grew in confidence with Callum Sherry, James Halliday and Dan Smith restricting the visitors’ chances.

Michael Fitzmaurice’s men also looked dangerous on the break but Andrew’s fired a real opportunity straight at the Ayre custodian Christian Penswick.

But the introduction of Kelly with only 10 minutes remaining certainly had a profound effect on the rest of the game.

With almost his first touch of the game, Kelly strode into the Royal’s box before guiding the ball wide of keeper Horbury to level the scoreline at 1-1.

To their credit, the home side responded swiftly and Andrews once again created a fine opportunity, only to squander the chance to regain the lead.

Then six minutes from time the game was turned on its head when Kelly struck once again to net the winner.

A perfectly-placed corner from full-back Harry Weatherill was converted by Kelly who rose majestically to firmly head home.

Keeper Horbury then ensured that the difference remained at a single goal by superbly touching over another well struck effort from Oram as Ayre ran out 2-1 winners.