Peel have one hand on the Sure Mobile Premier League trophy after what could prove to be the crucial Saturday in the title race.

While they overcame the spirited challenge of basement battlers Ayre United, reigning champions St George’s were held to a 1-1 draw at Union Mills.

Two late goals put the westerners firmly in the box seat as Ayre’s bid to beat the drop took another setback, although they can be proud of their performance.

They were holding the leaders to 1-1 at half-time but Peel ran out 3-1 winners, thanks to Daniel Lace, Lee Gale and a Johnny Myers penalty.

Martin Torr had scored the home side’s goal.

The match between Union Mills and St George's ended 1-1 at Garey Mooar but was marred by an injury to Mills’ Neil Cain who broke his leg for the second time in 18 months.

Both clubs wish him a speedy recovery.

Richard Cannell had put the Millers in front at half-time and, although Stuart Bell-Scott equalised after the break, the champions title hopes suffered a major setback.

Old Boys are still in second with an outside title chance of their own after a fine 3-1 home success against in-form Laxey.

Goals from Callum Stewart, Liam Buckley and Sean Gavin sealed the match by half-time.

The Miners scored a second half consolation through Johnny Callow.

Two sides’ contrasting form was in evidence at Glen Road as goals from Jamie Moffitt and Kieran Quinn fired Michael to a 2-0 win at Colby, whose poor run has left them with genuine relegation concerns.

Corinthians remain in the drop zone, however, after a 3-1 home defeat to Rushen.

Furo Davies fired the Railway Cup winners in front before Jamie Stoy levelled matters.

Late goals from Tom Craine and Neil Curphey sealed the points for Rushen.

In a mid-table battle at Tromode, a Ciaran McNulty double secured Gymns a 2-1 home triumph over Ramsey.

The match was preceded by a minute’s silence for Gymns’ stalwart Shawn Loader, who passed away earlier this week.