Champions lay down gauntlet

Geordies hit 13 in opener

Surprises were scarce on the opening day of the Manx football season.

Dean Tate briefly caused a flutter with the opening goal for relegation favourites Ayre United at home to Canada Life Premier League title favourites St George’s.

However, that was as good as it got for the Tangerines as the reigning champions went onto score 13, led by four goals from Sam Caine.

Last year’s runners-up Peel saw off St John’s, thanks to an early goal from Adam Cregeen.

Corinthians took advantage of an exodus at Old Boys to defeat them 3-0 at Ballafletcher; Rushen put six past Laxey without reply; Steven Priestnal hit a hat-trick as St Mary’s saw off newly promoted Douglas Athletic 3-1, while the other newly promoted club, Colby, went down 1-0 at Union Mills.