Riding the hero for Rushen

Old Firm success for southerners

Stephen Riding was the hero as Rushen United won Manx football’s old firm game on Saturday.

He scored both goals as the southerners defeated arch rivals Peel 2-1 at Croit Lowey in the Canada Life Premier League.

His first half double secured the points and, while Ashley Webster pulled one back for Peel, their miserable run continues.

Second placed St Mary’s closed the gap at the top of the table with a 4-2 victory over spirited Old Boys.

In an exciting contest at the Bowl, Matthew Rennie had the first and final word, opening the scoring with a fine finish inside five minutes before adding the fourth St Mary’s goal to seal the victory.

Marc Priestnal, midway through the first half, doubled that advantage and while Craig Murphy reduced the arrears, Steven Glover restored the Saints’ two goal advantage before the break – although there was a strong suggestion it was offside.

With Rennie adding a fourth, Gary Quirk’s excellent finish proved to be just a consolation, although Old Boys will take heart from their second half showing.

Douglas Athletic grabbed a last-gasp winner at Union Mills to claim what could be three vital points.

Will Penhallurick was the match-winner to spark Athletic celebrations and leave Mills facing a relegation battle.

The visitors, who had taken an early lead through an own goal, had been hauled back when Kyle Uren equalised but continued to pile on the pressure.

When Lee Ford was sent-off with eight minutes remaining, Athletic may have been happy with a point but the 10-man Pinks hadn’t reckoned on Penhallurick.

Ruairi Mooney scored twice as Corinthians’ fine form continued.

Sean Doyle and Stephen Whitley were also on target in a 4-1 home success over Laxey, who replied via Fraser Vaughan.

St John’s were too strong for strugglers Ramsey at Mullen-e-Cloie.

Andrew Chadwick, Daniel Corkill, Johnny Holland and Eric Kelly all scored in the first half as the home side ran out 4-1 winners.

Ramsey also notched their consolation, via Jamie Moffitt, in the first period.

Colby hit double figures to boost their bid to beat the drop.

They thrashed relegation certainties Ayre United 10-2 at Andreas.

Jordan Primrose-Smith was the star of the show with five goals.

He was joined on the scoresheet by Jordan Edge (two), Juan Kinvig, Andy Blake and Johnny Croft.