Anthony Moore was the hero as St John's won the big match in CFS Division Two on Saturday.
He converted two penalties to earn his side a 2-1 win at western rivals Marown and leapfrog them into second place.
Paul Bratty was the Marown scorer but the defeat virtually ends their slender promotion hopes.
Castletown are six points clear at the top following a 3-1 home success over Braddan.
After a goalless first half, Tony Duggan, Alex Crawley and Michael Edge were all on target with Lee Ramsden the scorer for battling Braddan.
There was a goal-fest at Groves Road as promotion chasing Pulrose defeated Douglas and District.
But D & D will take many plaudits after a fine display, in which they even scored first before going down 8-6.
Richard Brant (two), Daniel Clague Stewart (two), Craig Cowin and Jamie Corrin were their scorers with Chris Cowin, Barry English and Dave Skillen all hitting doubles for Pulrose and Richard Sharman and Mark Walmsley netting the others.
Martin Murphy scored a goal in each half but the surprise team of the season, Ramsey Youth Centre, had to settle for a point with a 2-2 draw at home to Malew.
A Paul Whitley penalty and Craige Marsh goal secured the southerners a draw.
Rock bottom Ronaldsway still haven’t won this season and were left to rue a missed opportunity on Saturday.
They drew 4-4 at home to Northern Athletic, after leading 3-0.
The Rockets, whose goals were scored by Kevin Murphy (two), Dwayne Dawson and Tony Rodgers, also led 4-2 at one stage,