Crumlin Star II 3 - 3 Ard Rangers II

First placed Star II's drew with second placed Ards Rangers II at Mallusk today with all 6 goals coming in an eventful first half. Star started the brighter and Mc Nally beat the offside trap only to see his effort saved off the line by the defender. Teer's in swinging corners were also causing the defence of Ards a problem with a few star players just failing to get a connection on the corner. However Ards got more into the game and a counter attack resulted in a tap in for their centre forward after their left winger had squared the ball. Star's heads didnt drop and they got the equaliser 10 minutes later when another dangerous Teer corner was headed home by veteran Toner. Again lack of concentration and poor defending as a unit let Ards sneak ahead again when their forward scored from a free header inside the 6 yard box. Star found themselves 2 goals down a few minutes later when their big striker headed past stand in keeper Hagans into the top corner. Star always looked dangerous on the attack and reduced the deficit when Mc Mullan scored from 8 yards out. Toner got his second of the day when his half volley sailed into the top corner just before half time to break the sides level. H/T 3-3 

Manager Scully urged his players at half time to defend better and get the win. Star controlled most the play in the second half but clear cut chances were few and far between. Mc Nally's trickery and pace was causing problems with Toner leading the line very well. Ards did look dangerous on the counter attack and had the best chance of the second half when they hit the crossbar from 10 yards out. The rest of the half was very scappy and neither team had any real chances and the match came to an end with both teams level at 3-3. Star were disappointed at not going on to win the match,with Manager Scully stressing that his team needed to defend better as a whole. F/T 3-3  Star have another home tie against Mossley II next Saturday at Mallusk. 

Team: Hagans, (S) Murray, Dillon, Hawkins, Mallon, Mc Mullan, Gormley, Mc Connell, Teer, Mc Nally, Toner Subs: Bartlett, Toner, Osborne 

Starman: Toner