You have to go as far back as 1984 when Malew last defeated Castletown MFC in a southeast derby at Clagh Vane.

With Town a team in transition and unable to field a combination side for the opening two games of the season, the Mets went into Wednesday evening’s JCK Division Two derby clash as underdogs with a number of promising youngsters in their team.

By contrast, the Ballasalla side had a vastly-experienced side but it was Castletown who emerged victorious 3-2., a result which has given the Stadium outfit a massive lift it so desperately craves.

Played in downcast weather with intermittent light showers, it was the visitors who took the lead. Dave Kelly looked to be in an offside position when he was a recipient of a diagonal through-ball, but he turned and lined up a shot from just outside the penalty area which flew into the back of the net.

Three minutes later, Malew drew level. Dan McLaughlin played a through-ball and goalkeeper Dean Sanderson slid out of his goal, only to put the ball onto a plate for Jack Gilbert to stroke into an empty net.

On 23 minutes, Malew took the lead for the first time when Paddy Cooper curled in a free-kick from the left which Sanderson could only fumble and Ashley Egan was on hand to tap in the rebound.

Malew thought they had extended their lead when Adam Drewett had a goal ruled out, but Town levelled matters shortly after the half-hour mark.

Following a move along the right, Joe Glover struck a shot from distance that skidded across the slippery surface and squirmed past Malew shot-stopper Elliott Turnbull before nestling into the net.

After the break both sides kept battling away andTown endured two sin bins at different times, during one of which they scored what proved to be the winning goal.

Harrison Pickard collected the ball in his own half and, with a quick drop of the shoulder, burst into pace before racing into the opposing half and placed his shot into the bottom left for a fine, individual goal.

Malew searched for an equaliser but couldn’t find a way through as a superb back four consisting of Josh Clarke, Noah Sansbury, Harry Hinks and Matty Lane ensured that Town claimed the southeast bragging rights.

PAUL HATTON