Reigning champions St George’s took a massive step forward on Saturday in their bid to retain the Canada Life Premier League.
A Ciaran McNulty goal was enough to defeat second placed Laxey at Glencrutchery Road to move the Geordies five points clear with a game in hand.
St Mary’s missed the chance to go second as Rushen United stormed the Bowl with a 3-0 success.
Two goals from Mike Williams and one from Aaron Hawley sealed the southerners’ most impressive victory of the season to all but end the Saints’ faint title hopes.
Old Boys moved level on points with St Mary’s in fourth with a 5-0 success at bottom club Marown.
A Callum Stewart hat-trick and Darren Hudgeon double did the damage.
Ramsey remain in the drop zone after Corinthians won by the same scoreline at Ballacloan.
Lewis Griffiths (two), Kane Ridings, Michael Callister and a Louis Thornton penalty were responsible as Corinthians stayed eighth.
Gymns moved a further point away from the bottom two in a 1-1 home draw with Union Mills.
Steven Cretney fired the home side ahead before Ronan McDonell levelled for the Millers before the break.
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