FOT the third consecutive week, a southern derby takes place in JCK Division Two when Malew host near-neighbours Ronaldsway at Clagh Vane this Saturday.
After Malew lost 5-1 to fellow southerners Colby last weekend and the Rockets drew 0-0 at home to Colby the previous week, both sides will be looking to claim some bragging rights, not to mention the small matter of three points on offer.
With Ronaldsway propping up the table, Shaun Riding’s men will be hoping to claim their first win of the season against their fierce rivals but have enjoyed a decent start to the campaign and could reach double figures should they win.
Fellow southerners Colby have been one of the standout performers so far this season but find themselves five points behind leaders Michael having played a game more. They will, however, be reasonably confident of getting the better of Onchan who have endured a poor season by their standards and find themselves languishing down in 12th place.
Having said that, the Os’ performances have improved of late and have a good recent record against the southerners so a much-needed win could be in store should the latter have an off-day.
Any potential slip-up by Colby means that Michael could find themselves eight points clear by Saturday tea-time, providing Barney Kelly’s men overcome Douglas Athletic at Springfield. That will be easier said than done though, if the hosts replicate last week’s performance which saw them claim an unlikely 2-2 draw from their trip to Ayre United.
That result left the Tangerines lying in fourth place, a point behind RYCOB and eight behind Michael so a return to winning ways is a must if the northerners are to challenge for the title. They will be favourites to do so this weekend when the travel to the capital to take on 11th place Pulrose who suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Douglas Royal last time out.
Also hoping to capitalise on any Colby mishap is RYCOB who could break into the top two should they better the southerners’ result when they take on Douglas and District at Noble’s Park. Five points separate the sides in Youthie’s favour but D&D have been known to spring a shock or two so don’t rule them out.
The final game of the day sees Douglas Royal make the short journey to Victoria Road to go head-to-head with old neighbours Braddan in a midtable clash.