St George’s took a step closer to retaining the Canada Life Premier League after defeating nearest rivals St Mary’s 2-1 at Glencrutchery Road on Wednesday night.
Geordies now only require a couple of points from their last six league games of the campaign to secure a sixth Premier League crown.
Unlike previous encounters involving these two sides where the blue touch paper has been lit, this was a tame affair.
Chances were at a premium in the first half, but it was the hosts who took the lead around the half-hour mark.
Chris Bass Jr’s corner found Johnny Myers who attacked the far post and directed his header into the back of the net.
After the break, Geordies continued to venture forward and Ciaran McNulty hit the post with a free-kick.
The former Gymnasium player had a say in the hosts’ second goal. The striker slipped a diagonal through-ball to Bass to guide his effort past Max Thomas for a well-worked goal.
Six minutes later, St Mary’s pulled a goal back after they were awarded a penalty.
Steven Priestnal made no mistake, directing his spot-kick to the left of the goal. This briefly sparked the visitors into life, however, few chances were created and Bass came close to netting a third when his in-swinging corner hit the crossbar.
Elsewhere in the top flight, Michael United remain just three points above the relegation zone after they were beaten 4-0 by western rivals St John’s, while at Union Mills, the home side and Laxey drew an entertaining game 3-3 in the latter’s penultimate game of the league season.
Ashley Webster put the Miners ahead before Joey Morling drew the hosts level. The in-form Morling then nosed his side in front at the start of the second half, before Michael Fernandes restored parity once more to the fixture,
Four minutes later Fernandes struck again to put the visitors ahead only for Simon Gawne to net a 68th minute leveller for the Garey Mooar outfit.
In JCK Division Two, Douglas Royal boosted their promotion hopes after a 2-2 draw with leaders Gymns at Ballafletcher. First-half goals from Mark Connor and Nick Bowden put the visitors ahead before Royal pegged them back in the second 45 thanks to goals from Ryan Kelly and Richie McCann.
Marown boosted their Paul Henry Gold Cup hopes with a 4-1 win at Pulrose. Stuart Morris was the star of the show with a hat-trick for the Crosby side joining strike partner Dylan Bridges on the scoresheet. Dave Skillen netted Pully’s late consolation from the penalty spot.
The evening’s other second tier game between Foxdale and Onchan was abandoned because of a serious leg injury suffered by Os’ keeper Callum Taggart.
St Mary’s are the only side that can mathematically deny Peel the Combination One title after they beat Michael United 2-1 at the Bowl. The Saints are now four points behind the westerners and need to win both their remaining games and hope that the Sunset City outfit don’t win either of their last two games against DHSOB and St George’s.
Wednesday, April 9
Canada Life Premier League
St George’s 2-1 St Mary’s
St John’s 4-0 Michael
Union Mills 3-3 Laxey
JCK Division Two
Douglas Royal 2-2 Gymns
Pulrose 1-4 Marown
Foxdale A-A Onchan
Canada Life Combination One
St Mary’s 2-1 Michael
Laxey 5-7 Union Mills
JCK Combination Two
Marown P-P Foxdale