Crumlin Star II 4 - 4 BryansBurn II

The seconds played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at home to Bryansburn II at a very rainy Mallusk on Saturday. With a few players out for both the first and second team, Manager Scully's squad was stretched to the limit. Star began brightly and should have taken the lead on 2 minutes when Gouldie put his header over from 5 yards. Star then suffered a massive blow when Teer was sent off for an off the ball incident. Star then fell behind when their striker tapped the ball home from 5 yards. However Star upped their game and were soon back on level terms when Hagans scored with a low drive into the bottom corner from 12 yards. Star were on the ascendcy and went infront for the first time when Whelan's shot from inside the area beat the Bryansburn keeper to his right. Bryansburn were level 10 mins later when their left winger got on to a cross field pass and finished well past O' Dwyer. Star woke up and Hagans again put Star ahead when his 25 yard shot/cross looped over the Bryansburn keeper and into the net. Whelan put Star 2 ahead just before half time when he beat 2 defenders and  beat the keeper with ease. H/T 4-2 

Star started the second half sloppy and conceded a goal from a set piece when an oppositon player had a free header 8 yards out. Osborne had a great chance to put Star two in front again however he shot straight at the keeper. Bryansburn put on pressure however the team were defending well and O' Dwyer making a few good saves. Star looked dangerous on the counter with Whelan and Mc Mullan causing problems and Scully putting a free kick just past the post. Star introduced Mezza for Gouldie as they looked to hold onto the lead. With 10 men Star were starting to tire and conceded the equaliser with 15 mins to go when a Bryansburn midfielder hit a low shot across the ground and beat O' Dwyer via a slight deflection. Whelan had a great chance right at the death when he put his shot wide. F/T 4-4 Manager Scully was disappointed that his team could not hold on to the lead but was again delighted with the battling of his players. 

Starman: Conor Mallon 

Team:  O' Dwyer, (D) Murray, Mallon, Hagans, Mc Mullan, Gormley, Scully, Teer, Gouldie, Whelan, Osborne Subs: Mezza  

Jim Hagans scored 2 for the seconds on Saturday