Morrissey magic for the champions

St George’s underlined on Saturday exactly why they won’t relinquish Manx football’s top prize without a fight.

The reigning champions maintained their 100 per cent record in the Sure Mobile Premier League with a 4-2 home success over rivals St Mary’s – a result, which even at this stage of the campaign, puts a huge question mark against the Saints’ own title hopes.

Steven Priestnal’s expert finish had given St Mary’s a 1-0 half-time lead.

However, a second half hat-trick from Island international Callum Morrissey and a goal from Island and club team-mate Chris Bass junior ensured a fine win for the Geordies.

Johnny Myers’ goal on his return to his former club had made it 2-2 before Morrissey’s late double completed his treble and captured a memorable success for the champions.

St Mary’s have now suffered four league defeats.

Leaders Old Boys and Union Mills shared the spoils at Blackberry Lane.

Dean France had put Mills in front at the break but Liam Buckley equalised for the newly promoted side who, despite losing their 100 per cent record, have made a superb start to the season.

The unbeaten Millers are third and will also be delighted with their start.

Laxey cruised to a comfortable 4-0 home win over St John’s.

The outcome could have been different had the visitors not missed a penalty with the score deadlocked but the Miners then took control with an Andreas Hijerth double, plus goals from marksmen John Callow and Nigel Beattie, sealing the success.

A 48th minute goal from Kevin Megson was all that separated Peel from arch rivals Rushen in a closely contested ‘auld firm’ clash at Douglas Road, while Gymns pulled off a fine 4-3 win at newly promoted Corinthians.

Both sides deserve credit in a see-saw match in which a brace from Neil Teare, a Ciaran McNulty goal and an own goal saw Gymns take the points.

Corinthians fought back from 2-0 down to draw level through Matthew Palmer and Paul Healey and also got on the scoresheet again thanks to Blane Slattery but remain pointless.