In a close encounter which saw lots of flowing football but few clear cut chances, Peel took the lead on the half hour when Rice smashed home a half-volley following a scramble from a corner.
Saints ‘keeper Colin McMullin did his best to keep the score at bay pulling off several excellent stops but it was the Peel defence who won the game for the Westerners as they managed to keep Peter Langridge et al at bay.
St Mary’s were dealt a setback early in the second half when playmaker Sam Kenny was dismissed. This gave the Saints a physical mountain to climb as both teams battled bravely in the summer heat; but in the end it was Peel who held on to claim the honour of being the first ever IOMFA Veterans League winners.
The IOMFA Development Team would like to thank Cu-Plas Callow who kindly sponsored this season’s event. The competition will start again next season and hopes to attract more teams and players to get back into football.