THE latest Isle of Man Newspapers Team of the Week is a FA Cup special combining the best of the five first round proper ties that beat the weather on Saturday.
The Paddy Power-sponsored competition gives some of JCK Division Two’s lesser lights chance to shine and five make it into this week’s coveted line-up starting with goalkeeper Andy Courcey.
The Douglas and District stopper saved a spot-kick as the Noble’s Park outfit beat RYCOB on penalties to win their first cup tie of any form in seven years.
Also shining for Carl Lace’s charges in that match was skipper Jamie Spicer who impressed at the back for D and D as the club secured its first quarter-final appearance in the prestigious knock-out competition.
Joining Spicer in a five-man backline are Pulrose duo Joey Joyce and Craig Cowin, plus Premier League brethren Gary Williams (Laxey) and Dominic McGreevy (St Mary’s). Pully emerged 3-4 extra-time victors over fellow second tier outfit and Springfield Road residents Douglas Athletic. Full-back Joyce was man of the match, while Cowin produced a typically robust performance as the game exploded into life after ending all square at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Williams grabbed a couple of assists as the 2006 winners overcame Division Two Douglas Royal 0-6 at Ballafletcher.McGreevy was also on form as his St Mary’s side produced one of the results of the round beating Rushen 0-4 at Croit Lowey.
Also starring in the south at the weekend were Castletown’s Ashley Sansbury and Tom Charmer.
The Town pair helped their side to a welcome win over fellow Premier League strugglers Gymns 2-1 at the Stadium, Sansbury grabbing both the Mets’ goals in the tie that went to extra-time.
Joining Messrs Sansbury and Charmer in a three-man midfield is Laxey schemer Johnny Callow.
The Glen Road stalwart grabbed a goal and laid on another for striker Ashley Webster as he dictated most of the Miners’ attacking play against their spirited second tier hosts.
Up front St Mary’s in-form teenager Stephen Whitley is paired with Douglas Athletic’s David Harrison.
Former Castletown youngster Whitley continued his good recent spell with a man of the match showing against Rushen, while Harrison was unlucky to be on the losing side as he grabbed two goals in Athletic’s narrow 3-4 defeat at the hands of FA Cup specialists Pulrose.
Referee of the Week is Scottish official John McCallum who impressed with the whistle in D and D’s victory over Youthie.
Team of the Week 26/01/13
Goalkeeper
Andy Courcey (Douglas and District)
Defence
Gary Williams (Laxey)
Dominic McGreevy (St Mary’s)
Jamie Spicer (Douglas and District)
Craig Cowin (Pulrose)
Joey Joyce (Pulrose)
Midfield
Johnny Callow (Laxey)
Tom Charmer (Castletown)
Ashley Sansbury (Castletown)
Attack
Stephen Whitley (St Mary’s)
David Harrison (Douglas Athletic)
Referee John McCallum (D and D v RYCOB)