Football: Ayre United crowned 23/24 premier league champions

Northerners claim second top flight title in last three seasons

Ayre United have been crowned winners of the 2023/24 Canada Life Men's Premier League.

Requiring a draw or a win to overhaul previous leaders and defending champions Peel at the top, the northern side secured the silverware with a 3-1 home victory over St Mary's in what was both sides' final games of the current league campaign.

It's Ayre United's second top flight title in the last three seasons having previously lifted the trophy back in the 2021/22 campaign.

In last night's meeting at Andreas Playing Fields, Ayre United broke the deadlock eight minutes before the break through Jamie Callister before Shaun Kelly doubled their advantage six minutes after the restart.

In the 75th minute, St Mary's gave themselves a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty which Joe Bergquist duly converted.

But the hosts restored their two-goal advantage with 85 minutes played courtesy of a Danny Oram strike.

The result saw Ayre United scoop the title and end the season on 67 points, three points clear of Peel in second on 64.

Meanwhile, St Mary's finish the campaign in fourth spot and three points behind Ramsey in third.