Football season kicks off

After last week's Eric Fletcher Charity Shield, the Manx football season kicks off in earnest this afternoon.

There are full fixture lists in the Canada Life Premier League and JCK Division Two, as well as the combination divisions.

The pick of the matches in the top tier sees defending champions St George's up against Douglas High School Old Boys, the side which prevented them winning the grand slam last season by beating them in the BCS Vinyl Hospital Cup final.

Today also sees a first competitive fixture for the Island's newest side, Governor's Athletic, who will take on Castletown in Division Two.

Twenty-two last minute transfer applications were lodged with the Manx FA this morning before the transfer window closed, making a total of 143.