Football: Peel win 2023 Eric Fletcher Charity Shield

Whitehead nets twice late on to hand westerners silverware

Men's Premier League champions, Peel, have taken the first silverware ahead of the 2023/24 season with a 3-1 victory over Corinthians in the Eric Fletcher Charity Shield final yesterday (19 August).

The westerners took a slender lead during a scrappy first half courtesy of Jake Robertshaw's close-range finish on 42 minutes.

However, last season's FA Cup and Railway Cup winners, Corinthians, struck back shortly after 60 minutes as Dan Simpson finished from point-blank range after Peel failed to deal with a Danny Gerrard free-kick.

Peel then regained their advantage with just one minute of normal time remaining as Paul Whitehead managed to work himself into a one-on-one opportunity in front of goal before calmly slotting past Corinthians 'keeper, Jack Corran.

Whitehead was then on hand again to seal the trophy for Peel in second-half stoppage time as he produced another calm finish following a Corinthians defensive mix-up to make it 3-1.

Despite missing out on the trophy, there was some consolation for Corinthians as their young striker, Chester Bell received the player of the match award.

Meanwhile, the 2023/24 Isle of Man men's football season is due to get underway on Saturday, 2 September.

Peel will begin the defence of their top-flight title at home to St George's whilst Corinthians kick-off their campaign with a trip to Rushen United.

You can find details of the opening weekend matches and links to the senior men's fixtures for the full season HERE.