Rushen United gained a crucial victory in their bid for a first league championship in 22 years.

The southerners won 2-1 at title rivals St Mary’s to stay top of the Sure Mobile Premier League.

First half goals from Michael Baker and Tom Craine sealed a fine victory at the Bowl.

In the proverbial game of two halves, Rushen controlled the opening 45 minutes and deservedly led at the break after a blistering start.

St Mary’s hit back in the second half and dominated but, despite pulling a goal back from Frank Jones, their pressure didn’t result in an equaliser and Rushen held firm to take all three points.

Peel remain second with a game in hand but were given a scare by western neighbours Michael before emerging 4-1 winners at Douglas Road.

Struggling Michael led with 15 minutes remaining but a late show showed Peel’s class.

A Johnny Myers double and goals from Kerron Christian and Terry Rigaux sealed the victory.

Laxey are now in third and remain a team in form.

They showed their mettle with a hard fought 1-0 win at Ramsey, courtesy of a Johnny Callow goal midway through the second half.

Gymns stayed in fifth after a 3-1 home win over battling St John's.

Ciaran McNulty, Mark Connor and Barry Hardinge got the goals with Sam Ingham on target for the newly promoted visitors.

Old Boys completed a league double over Castletown in some style.

Callum Stewart, Tommy Miller, Darren Hudgeon and Liam Buckley were the scorers as the FA Cup holders won 4-0 at the Stadium.

Reigning champions St George’s showed their ruthlessness in front of goal with a 5-0 home success over bottom club Union Mills.

Callum Morrissey (two), Chris Bass junior (two) and Connor Dowell – with his first goal for the first team – were the marksmen for the Geordies.