SHANKILL II 1 - 3 CRUMLIN STAR II

Star travelled to Inverary Avenue on Saturday to take on local rivals Shankill Utd and it was the Ardoyne side that came away with the 3 points with a comfortable win. Star were able to field a strong side with Finegan and Ciaran Braniff returning to the side to give the team a much needed boost. Star started the better of the two sides with Hawkins, Whelan and Osborne linking up well in the midfield. Star first real chance fell to Whelan however his side foot volley from 8 yards was well saved by the keeper. Star continued to press and a powerful C Braniff free kick was palmed away by the keeper. Star's defence of Reilly, Finegan, Mc Mullan and Cairns were in great form as they limited Shankill to very few chances with Reilly and Cairns getting up and down the line at every chance. Star had two chances just before half time, the first fell to Whelan again as his mazy run and low shot ended with the keeper making a finger tip save. Moments later Hawkins had a volley just go narrowly over the bar and the sides would go in level at the break.

H/T 0-0

Star started the second half brightly again and quickly went infront when Osborne's precise pass found C Braniff and he made no mistake slotting low past the keeper at his near post. Star continued to press with James Doyle pace and power causing Shankill all sorts of problems, and he got his rewards when he headed home from close range after a delightful C Braniff cross. Ciaran Gormley was at his best with his tough tackling and his domination in the centre of the park. Star made a few changes with Todd, Brown and Mc Kinney coming on. Shankill pulled one back late on however Star sealed the points when Hawkins quick feet in the box created him space and he blasted into the roof of the net.

F/T 1-3 

Team: Largey, Reilly, Cairns, Finegan, Mc Mullan, Osborne, Gormley, Hawkins, Whelan, Doyle, C Braniff, Mc Kinney, Todd, Brown

Ciaran Braniff: Excellent game on Saturday