Crumlin Star 2-1 Larne Tech

On Saturday the Star entertained 1A side Larne Tech at Mallusk in the Clarence cup. Although Larne Tech where two divisions higher than the Star it was the home side that looked like the better side in the opening exchanges. The Star's midfield of Braniff, Reid, Burns and McConnall where bossing the game with Paul Brown and Mark Mooney causing havoc up front every time the Star attacked. But with their first attack Larne took the lead when their striker forced the ball home after a fine cut back from his strike partner. The Star then upped their game and started to create chances at will. Sass McConnall forced the away keeper into a fine double save in the space of one minute, Mark Mooney pulled a shot wide after a great through ball by Braniff but it was red hot Striker Paul Brown who levelled things up when he played a neat one-two with Mooney and coolly passed the ball home beyond the Larne keeper. The Star continued to dominate the rest of the half but couldn't find the break through as the score remained 1-1 at half time.

H/T 1-1

 The second half started as the first finished as the Star went in search for the winner but again they found the Larne keeper in top form with a string of fine saves. Ciaran Reid missed a glaring chance when put through by Braniff and Paul Brown seen an effort go wide when the keepers clearance fell nicely for him. With time running out and extra time looming the Star finally got their winner when Ciaran Reid cut in from a short corner and the little midfielder curled the ball into the top corner. Devenny and Mooney both had chances to kill the game of late on but it didn't matter as the Star progressed into the next round of the cup.

Next week the Star play St Lukes in the 4th round of the Junior cup at Mallusk, Kick Off 1:30pm.

Team: Thompson, McCoey, O'Reilly, Keenan, Cairns, McConnall, Reid, Braniff, Burns, P.Brown, Mooney

Subs: McKervey, Devenny, Nellis

Ciaran Reid scored another winner on Saturday

Ard Rangers II 2 - 1 Crumlin Star II

Star II were defeated by league leaders Ard Rangers II in the top of the table clash. The seconds will be disappointed with not getting at least a point after dominating large parts of the game. The seconds lost Mc Nally before the game to injury and Hagans to suspension but did welcome Mooney, Mc Neill and veteran Murphy back into the team. Ards started the game very sharp and attacked Star from the off. Ards opened the scoring after 10 minutes when their striker scored from 20 yards into the top corner. A bad start from Star went to disasterous just 2 minutes later when Ards doubled their lead. However after this start the seconds showed great character and fight and got back into the game when Teer scored a cracking half volley from the edge of the box. The rest of the half was dominated by Star with Mc Neill strong running causing Ards midfield problems. Doyle was a constant threat up front with his pace and trickey and he saw a good effort from 18 yards just go wide. Gormley also had a great chance to equalise however a bad touch let Ards' keeper a chance to smother the ball at his feet and Star would go into the break 2-1 down. H/T 2-1

The second half saw Star push for the equaliser and Doyle just put a header past the post and Toner also shooting wide when in a great position to score. Star backline of Hawkins Murphy Mallon and Mooney had to be wary of Ards counter attacks. Manager Scully brought on Braniff for Hawkins and Braniff immediately had a great chance but volleyed wide from 15 yards. Star were desperate for an equaliser however it was not to be their day. Manager Scully said he could not fault his players performance or effort but a bad starts to games had cost them this season. F/T 2-1      

 Starman:

PHOTOS FROM THE CIARAN SCULLION CUP MATCH ARE IN THE TRAINING PHOTOS SECTION AND THERE IS A NEW HALL OF FAME SECTION WHICH IS BEING UPDATED BY ANTO