Demolition day - champions rout St John's

If there was any doubt about why Manx football’s top side remains the team to beat, it was well and truly ended on Saturday.

Reigning champions St George’s hit 10 second half goals to overturn a half-time deficit and demolish St John’s.

It was a rout at Glencrutchery Road between the Canada Life Premier League leaders and the side which started the day in third place.

St John’s looked like they could cause a shock when they led 1-0 at the break thought a Nick Hurt penalty.

However, the Geordies then showed in a dominant 45 minutes – in which they scored an average of every four and a half minutes - exactly why they have every Manx football honour in their trophy cabinet.

Ciaran McNulty (Three), Chris Bass (two), skipper Sean Quaye, Johnny Myers, Frank Jones, Callum Morrissey and Mark Teare scored the goals in a devastating display.

That confirmed their place in the Railway Cup, as did Laxey who stayed second after a 9-1 thrashing of lowly Castletown.

Ashley Webster, Josh Thomas (two), Mark Wolfenden (two), Nigel Beattie (two), Paul Rowley and Max Murley were on target for the Miners with Lee Davenport notching the Town consolation.

St Mary’s moved up to third with a 4-2 win at Ramsey.

Most of the damage was done in the first half as the Saints raced into a 3-0 lead.

Brian Crellin, Steve Priestnal, David Priestnal and Tom Weir grabbed their goals.

Martin Torr and Matthew Montgomery replied for battling Ramsey in the second half.

Peel are fourth after a 3-1 success at Corinthians.

A Lee Gale double and one from John Kelly ensured all three points for the westerners.

Louis Thornton hit the net for the home side.

Old Boys’ fine form continued – although too late for Railway Cup qualification – as they defeated Rushen 3-1 at Blackberry Lane.

Second half substitute Darren Hudgeon was the match-winner with two goals after a Craig Stewart penalty and a Mike Williams header meant the sides were level at the break.

Marown remain rock bottom and Gymns are pulling away from the drop zone after a 2-0 win at Crosby - Mark McCarrick and an own goal causing the damage.

In JCK Division Two, the top three - Michael, Colby and Ramsey Youth Centre - all overcame tough games to win, while Ronaldsway are off the bottom, at the expense of Malew, after a 3-2 success at Douglas and District.