Football: Rushen United beat Ayre to lift charity shield

Three first-half goals seal early silverware for southern side

Rushen United made an early statement ahead of the new Manx football season last night (31 August) by beating Ayre United 3-0 to win the Eric Fletcher Charity Shield.

Ayre United went into Tuesday evening's clash having won a treble of silverware - the Canada Life Men's Premier League, Dixcart Railway Cup and ECAP FA Cup - during the 2021/22 season.

Meanwhile Rushen had been Ayre's closest challengers in the league and had also lifted the Prime Plastering Hospital Cup in May.

Last night's contest saw the southern side take and retain control with three first-half goals.

Jamie Cadwallader opened the scoring on 19 minutes from the penalty spot before Joe Reid then doubled Rushen's lead seven minutes later.

Rushen then added a third on 32 minutes thanks to a strike from Jamie Johnston.

The Manx football season is due to begin proper this weekend with a full schedule of fixtures planned on Saturday, 3 September.

Rushen United will travel to the north of the Island to take on Ramsey, whilst Ayre United will begin the defence of their title at home to newly-promoted St Johns.