Football: Peel claim 2026 Eric Fletcher Charity Shield

Westerners fight back to defeat Corinthians on penalties

Peel AFC fought back from two goals down to claim a penalty shootout victory over Corinthians in the 2026 Eric Fletcher Charity Shield this week.

During the showdown at The Bowl in Douglas on Friday (21 August), last season's Ecap FA Cup winners, Corinthians took the lead through a Sean Doyle strike on 48 minutes.

They then extended their advantage when Adam McCullough found the net just before the hour mark with 58 minutes played.

However, last season's Canada Life Men's Premier League champions, Peel, fought back late on with two goals in two minutes from Tomas Brown in the 86th and 88th minute to send the tie to penalties.

Having levelled late on in 90 minutes, the westerners then held their nerve in the following spot kicks to claim the silverware ahead of the new Manx football season.

Meanwhile, Brown of Peel - who was named Isle of Man Men's Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner for the second campaign running in 2025/26 - earned the Man of the Match award on Friday evening.

Attention now turns to the 2026/27 Isle of Man football season which is due to get underway on Saturday, 29 August.