Promotion chasing Marown and Douglas Royal were pushed hard before emerging victorious in the GH Corlett Woods Cup preliminary round on Saturday.
A 77th minute penalty from Brett Kitching sealed Marown a 3-2 win at Douglas Athletic, who twice fought back only to be undone from the spot.
Stuart Morris continued his fine scoring form with a sixth minute opener before Danny O’Hare levelled for the home side with a free-kick.
Joey Rothwell regained the lead for Marown after 64 minutes but it was 2-2 within four minutes when O’Hare scored his second, this time from the penalty spot.
However, it was another spot-kick which sealed Marown’s place in the first round.
A double from Ryan Kelly, plus one from Simon Dooley, and an own goal gave Douglas Royal a 4-2 success over battling Foxdale.
The lowly westerners pup up a fight with Liam Cannan and Scott Kermeen both scoring in the second half.
St Mary’s consolidated second spot in the Canada Life Premier League with a 4-1 home victory over Corinthians.
Darren Cain set Sam Kenny’s side on their way against his former club.
Andy Glover doubled the lead early in the second half and a comfortable afternoon was completed with goals from Neil Brogan and Steven Priestnal before Ryan Burns netted a consolation.