The Star made it into the quarter finals of the Cochrane & Corry cup after a hard fought victory over neighbours Woodvale on Saturday. Its Woodvale's first season in the NAFL and already they're showing their potential as they're top of division 2C after winning every game but this was going to be their toughest challenge yet as the Star where the only team in the country with a 100% record in all competitions.

Woodvale came closest to opening the scoring from the first corner of the game but Thompson in goal pulled of a brilliant save to tip the ball over the bar. Next it was the Star's turn to go for goal as Gormley struck a sweet volley from outside the box but the Woodvale number one pushed the ball round the post for a Star corner. The game was evenly poised at this stage as both sides showed a lot of hunger and determination not to let the big support for both side's down. As the half came to an end the Star had two glorious chances to take the lead but both headers from Mooney & P.Brown went agonisingly wide. Woodvale also had an opportunity to go in front just before the interval but their big striker fluffed his chance after Burns's attempted clearance rebounded of Nellis and into his path.

H/T 0-0

The second half was the same as the first with both side's battling hard and fighting for every ball. If  Woodvale where going to score in this game it was either going to be from a long throw into the Star's box or from a free kick as they where awarded at least six of them in really dangerous positions but Thompson in goal was in fine form for the Star as he dealt with everything the home side could muster. Just after the hour the Star broke the dead lock when Gormley cut in from the left and fired a shot on goal but the striking instinct from Paul Brown seen him stick out his right boot and steer the ball into the bottom corner to give the Star a deserved lead. The goal seemed to lift the Star as they created some goal scoring chances straight after this but Mooney, Braniff and S.Brown all wasted their glorious chances. As the game came to an end Woodvale pushed hard for the elusive equaliser but the Star's back four where outstanding again as the kept the home side at bay as the Ardoyne side marched on to the quarter finals where the face Kilroot Rec on the 16th January.

Next week the Star are at home to Queens II in a league fixture. Kick off 2:00pm.

Team: Thompson, McAlea, Hamilton, Nellis, Burns, S.Brown, Reid, Braniff, Mooney, P.Brown, Gormley

Subs: O'Reilly, Keenan, Cairns

Starmen -Thompson & Mooney

Pictured below is Mal Thompson & Mark Mooney