Mossley 0 - 3 Crumlin Star

Star maintained their 5 point lead at the top of the table with a hard fought win against a hard working Mossley side. The ardoyne side just need 6 points from their remaining 3 games to secure the 2A title which is easier said than done. Star started the game well and a crisp passing move between Mc Kervey and Mc Alea saw the latter find space in the box however he hit a tame effort wide. Mossley's only effort of the half nealry resulted in a goal. A long ball over the top found their striker who connected sweetly with a volley however Thompson in goal pulled off a superb save to keep the sides level. Paul Brown couldn't add to his 40 goal haul when he hit a shot wide after having a clear sight on goal. Star were well on top with Reid and Braniff playing well in centre midfield and Mc Kervey dangerous crossing causing the home side a few problems. Star best chance of the half fell to Mooney and P Brown. Mooney turned his marker in the box and hit a low shot that the Mossley keeper parried into the path of P Brown however he made a terrific reaction save to deny Brown and keep the scores level going into the break. H/T0-0 

 First team manager Hawkins asked for more quality in the final third from his team and this is what he got in the second half. Chris Devenny was having an outstanding game upfront as his height and hold up play was too much for the Mossley backline. Star took the lead when Mooney broke on the left and delivered a dangerous cross into the box, Mc Kervey pounced on a loose ball in the box and he drilled his shot low into the bottom corner much to the relief of the Star support and management. Star's backline of O'Reilly, Mc Alea, Burns and Keenan had little to do and dealt with any Mossley attack comfortably. Hawkins made a few changes with Mc Connell, Mc Coey and Toner replacing Mooney, P Brown and O'Reilly. Mc Connell made the game safe when he cooly slotted past the keeper and Reid got Star's third when he cleanly volleyed home from 18 yards after good work from Devenny on the left. Star's next game is against Groomsport at Mallusk on Saturday 25/4/2009. F/T 0-3

Starman: Devenny 

Bricky: Got Star's first goal