Old Boys begin new era in style!

A new era for Manx football began on Saturday with what will be one of the results of the season!

Newly promoted Old Boys caused a major shock as they produced a superb comeback to win at many people’s favourites for the championship, Peel.

On a rain-hit opening day in the Sure Mobile Premier League, the westerners seemed to be cruising to victory after a 15th minute goal from Kevin Megson and a second from Tony Duggan.

But Old Boys marked their return to the top flight in some style, overcoming the deficit to record an impressive 3-2 victory and continue Peel’s opening day hoodoo.

The fightback began 22 minutes from time with an excellent Gary Quirk strike and Paul Murphy and Callum Stewart capped the home side’s surprise – and misery – as Old Boys sealed a dream start to the campaign.

Peel’s cause wasn’t helped by an injury to keeper Grant Dawson.

Two sides tipped to struggle this season met at Ballacloan and it was Union Mills who secured what could be an important 1-0 triumph at Ramsey – Paul Blair the scorer.

In the only other game to survive the weather, footballer of the year Paul Jones scored the only goal of the game after eight minutes as Rushen defeated newly promoted Corinthians 1-0.

Jones’ wins a mobile phone as a result of scoring the first ever goal in the Sure Premier League!

In CFS Division Two, Michael showed exactly what they are favourites for the championship – demolishing Ronaldsway 10-1.

Five goals in each half underlined the side’s credentials.

New signings Sean Rooney and Nick Hurt chipped in with two apiece, as did Jamie Moffatt, while there were also goals for Richard Crowe, Kieran Quinn, Paul Corlett and Michael Shimmin.

Alan Lennon grabbed the Rockets consolation.

There were also plenty of goals down the road as Castletown defeated Jurby 8-0.

John Howarth was the star of the show with five with Brett Alcotte, Stuart Butterworth and an own goal completing the scoring.