The first Isle of Man Newspapers’ Team of the Week of the seasons sees seven different top-flight sides represented.
Claiming the TotW’s coveted number one jersey is St John’s goalkeeper Damyan Petkov.
By all accounts the Bulgarian stopper was in inspired form saving a penalty from Daniel Bell as new Johnners’ manager Nick Ingham started his reign with a 2-2 draw against neighbours Peel.
The latter, who are predicted to be St George’s closest challengers for the Canada Life Premier League silverware this season, had to come from two goals down to claim a point against a United side inspired by their custodian.
Also impressing in the western derby was Peel centre-back Andrew Crennell.
The defender was the Sunset City side’s star turn as they started life under new manager Steve Falconer.
Joining Crennell in the back-four is two of the Ayre side that helped the promoted Tangerines to a shock 3-2 win over Laxey in Andreas.
George Rawlinson added to his growing reputation within the Manx game with an eye-catching performance at the heart of the United defence.
Skipper Christian Penswick also impressed as last season’s JCK Division Two runners up made a flying start to life back in the top division.
Completing the back four is Rushen defender Michael Baker who bagged a goal as the Spaniards made a good start to the new term with a 4-1 win at Michael.
Baker’s club-mate Stephen Riding also troubled the scorers as United triumphed out west.
The Ellan Vannin winger come full-back netted twice as Ben Qualtrough’s reign started with a win.
Another midfielder hitting the goal trail was Ayre’s Shaun Kelly who struck one against Laxey.
The Tangerines’ ace had a hand in all three of his side’s goals against his former club, earning him the man of the match honours from pitchside reporter Eric Clague.
Chris Bass Jr was another man making a telling contribution, the Geordies talisman playing a large role as the reigning champions opened their title defence with a narrow 3-2 win at DHSOB.
Up front the TotW’s front three combined to net nine goals between them during the opening weekend of the 2014-15 campaign.
Shooting straight to the top of the fledgling goalscoring charts is new St Mary’s striker Mark Wolfenden.
The prolific frontman marked his league debut for the Saints after a summer switch from Laxey with four goals as Mark Gorman and Paddy Horne’s side beat Union Mills 7-1 at the Bowl.
Grabbing the other three of the Saints’ magnificent seven was perennial hot shot Steven Priestnal who launched his latest assault on the Golden Boot with a hat-trick.
Joining the new-look St Mary’s strike force in the final third is Corinthians’ Danny Oram.
The former Laxey, St George’s and Ramsey man marked his competitive debut for the Whites with a double as the Ballafletcher outfit beat near-neighbours Gymns 3-0.
Claiming the first Referee of the Week accolade of the term is Gareth Jones. The experienced official edged out Tony McMeiken and Chris Dycher for the prize after impressing in the middle during Old Boys clash with St George’s.
Team of the Week 16/08/14
Goalkeeper
Damyan Petkov (St John’s)
Team of the Week appearances this season: 1
Defenders
Christian Penswick (Ayre United) TotW apps: 1
George Rawlinson (Ayre United) TotW apps: 1
Michael Baker (Rushen United) TotW apps: 1
Andrew Crennell (Peel) TotW apps: 1
Midfielders
Chris Bass Jr (St George’s) TotW apps: 1
Shaun Kelly (Ayre United) TotW apps: 1
Steve Riding (Rushen United) TotW apps: 1
Attack
Steven Priestnal (St Mary’s) TotW apps: 1
Mark Wolfenden (St Mary’s) TotW apps: 1
Danny Oram (Corinthians) TotW apps: 1
Referee
Gareth Jones (DHSOB v St George’s) RotW apps: 1