The wind finally returned to Rushen’s Spanish Armada at Croit Lowey on Saturday with a much-needed 7-1 win over southern rivals Malew in the Paddy Power FA Cup.
Rushen manager Neil Curphey wanted a response following two successive defeats and his players responded.
Notable performances came from hat-trick hero Aaron Hawley, the tireless Harry Best and Alex Maitland, who was a figure of composure in the Spaniards’ defensive heart.
The gulf between Premier League and Division Two is massive, butwith only nine minutes played Malew briefly began to dream of a shock when they took the lead.
A long throw-in was launched into the mixer, and Alex Graham reacted the quickest firing in a shot that took a deflection before hitting the net.
Rushen’s riposte came three minutes later.
Stephen Riding’s cross from the left picked out the run of Mike Williams, who directed his header into the roof of the target for the leveller.
The hosts took the lead for the first time with 19 minutes played.
Ryan Crawley cut in from right, struck a left-foot shot that hit the post before rebounding off the goalkeeper’s head and into the goal.
Most of the first half, however, was a forgettable affair with too many stray passes and heavy touches.
After the break, Rushen’s third goal was the most outrageous this humble hack has seen during my time reporting. Riding crossed from the left where Ciaran Brown, who was positioned on the edge of the penalty area, volleyed in using his heel.
Time for Aaron Hawley AKA ‘Big Ron’ to take centre stage.
The hosts’ captain started his demolition job netting his side’s fourth after being put clear and exquisitely chipping over stranded Malew net-minder Alex Mazzotta.
Hawley was on target again eight minutes later, guiding his effort low and into the bottom left corner of the Malew net to put Rushen firmly in control.
The Croit Lowey faithful were treated to another wonder goal from Crawley on this occasion.
Daniel Pownall’s cross was laid off by Hawley for the youngster to unleash a speculative effort that hit the inside of the right post before nestling in the net.
Tony Sewell came close to pulling a goal back following a rare second-half Malew attack only to see his effort cleared off the line.
The Spaniards completed a much-improved showing with a seventh. Jordan Watterson won possession, passed to Williams on the edge of the box. He teed up Hawley to complete his hat-trick.
There were other incidents of note. An island coach got his car stuck in the mud whilst attempting to drive off, a Malew player walked off the pitch midway through the second half and a referee’s assistant picked up an injury. Welcome to the crazy and wonderful world of the Manx FA Cup.
Team check
Rushen: Jay Gandy, Alex Guy (Dale Corrin 75m), Stephen Riding, Chris Shimmin (Michael Baker 75m), Alex Maitland, Ciaran Brown (Jordan Watterson 54m), Ryan Crawley, Harry Best, Michael Williams, Aaron Hawley, Daniel Pownall
Malew: Alex Mazzotta, Ian Mahon, Ash Egan, Daniel Thirlwell, James Hinchcliffe (Tony Sewell 73m), Ben Gregson, Charlie Dellborg (Shaun McEntee 64m), Alex Graham, Adam Drewett, Dean Kinley, Louie Jennings (Rob Bell 75m)
Referee: Colin Coole
Assistants: Matty Shaw, Anthony Page
Bookings: Crawley, Hawley (Rushen), Hinchcliffe, Drewett, Kinley, McEntee (Malew)
Man of the Match: Hawley (Rushen)
Match rating: HHHHH