reigning Canada Life Premier League, champions St George’s produced a breathtaking second-half display to destroy St John’s at Glencrutchery Road on Saturday.
Nick Hurt and Malcolm Blackburn’s visitors looked to be on course to upset the Grand Slam winners after a strong first half showing.
The Mullen-e-Cloie side went close to breaking the deadlock early on through effort by Stephen Glover and Jamie Moffatt before eventually taking the lead thanks to Hurt’s first-half penalty.
However, the visitors suffered injury setbacks to Louis Morris and Sam Ingham, subsequently losing their shape and there was no stopping Geordies as Chris Bass Sr’s men scored no fewer than 10 times in the second 45 to claim a resounding win.
Ciaran McNulty led the way for the hosts with a hat-trick while Chris Bass Jr helped himself to a brace. Goals from skipper Sean Quaye, Johnny Myers, Frank Jones, Callum Morrissey and a rare Mark Teare strike sealed the points to ensure Geordies stay top of the table.
Speaking after the match, St John’s player/manager Nick Hurt described Geordies’ second-half display as ‘the best he had ever seen a Manx side play,’ and full credit was due to the champions, in particular Calum Morrissey, Ciaran McMulty, Chris Bass Jr and Frank Jones.
Geordies’ closest rivals Laxey also secured a dominant win in their match at home to struggling Castletown.
In-form striker Mark Wolfenden netted twice against his old club, while there were further braces for Josh Thomas and Nigel Beattie. Ashley Webster, Paul Rowley and Max Murley also got their names on the scoresheet for the Miners while Town’s consolation came from Lee Davenport.
Lee Gale was the hero for Peel as the westerners overcame the stubborn challenge of Corinthians at Ballafletcher. The winger netted twice against the Whites while John Kelly also grabbed a goal. Corinthians’ reply came via Louis Thornton.
DHSOB recorded an impressive victory over 2012 league champions Rushen United at Blackberry Lane.
Skipper Craig Stewart opened the scoring for the hosts early on but Mike Williams levelled to leave the game finely poised. However, Darren Hudgeon came off the bench to grab two goals to earn a 3-1 win for his side.
Elsewhere, Ramsey remained firmly embroiled in a relegation fight after a 2-4 defeat at home to title hopefuls St Mary’s at Ballacloan Stadium. Matthew Montgomery and Martin Torr netted for the northerners but goals from Ste Priestnal, Brian Crellin, Dave Priestnal and Tom Weir were enough to seal a 4-2 victory
l Michael United returned to winning ways in JCK Division Two but were forced to come from behind at Braddan.
The Victoria Road side looked like causing an upset when they raced into a two-goal lead thanks to a brace from Geoff Murphy. However, Michael stormed back thanks to goals from Matthew Brand, Andrew Berry, Ben Drewry, Peter Fisher and Kieran Quinn.
The Balleira Road side remain three points clear of second-placed Colby who had to work hard to overcome a stubborn Douglas Athletic at Springfield Road. Kyle Berry netted for the hosts but goals from Alex Murdoch and Steven Leece earned the southerners the win.
Elsewhere there were wins for Onchan, Ronaldsway and Ramsey Youth Centre and Old Boys.