GROVE UTD II 1 - 4 CRUMLIN STAR II

Star II made it 5 wins in a row with a good victory against a decent Grove team. Star lost a few players before the match however the players who stepped in more than proved their woth to the team. Star started the match a bit slow with Grove playing the better football however Star's defence of (S) Murray, Hawkins, Mc Mullan and O'Neill stood firm and defended well. Star gradually woke up and started to get their passing game going with Toner's hold up play and Doyle's pace causing danger for the Grove backline. Doyle had Star's first chance when he had his shot saved by the keeper. From the resultant corner Star took the lead when Hawkins flicked on a Cairns corner and Mc Mullan sidefooted past the keeper. Mc Neill in goal was having a good game with some important saves and catches. Cairns wasted two guilt edged chances to score however he blasted over on both occasions. H/T 0-1

Star came out for the second half brightly after a stern talk from manager Hagans. Full backs (S) Murray and O'Neill were playing very well as they attacked at every opportunity pushing Grove back. Doyle was also having a great game and he got on the score sheet when he tapped home a Cairns cross from 5 yards. Minutes later (S) Murray should have scored when through on goal however he squared the ball to the offisde Cairns. Grove were handed a lifeline when their midfielder finished past Mc Neill from close range. Howver man of the match Doyle restored Star's 2 goal advantage when he picked up the ball 40 yards out and beat 2 defenders and blasted the ball low into the bottom corner. Star's midfield of Gormley, O Halloran allnd Quail were battling well and the supplying the front men well. Mc Coey, Murphy and (D) Murray all came on with 30 minutes to play as Star were well on top however Grove did miss a few chances to get back into the match. Murphy was making his usual mazy runs and he had a few chances with a 30 yard volley just going over the bar being the pick of them. Doyle got his hat trick when he converted a late penalty as Star got the 3 points. Star's managment were delighted with the wind even though their side only played well for spells. F/T 1-4

 Starman: James Doyle 

Doyle: Got a hat trick on Saturday. 7 goals in 7 games