STAR GET FIRST EVER IRISH CUP WIN!!

CRUMLIN STAR 5 - 0 LISBURN RANGERS

Star entertained Lisburn rangers at Solitude on Saturday in their first ever Irish Cup game. The players lived up to the hype to earn Star's first ever Irish cup win by playing some excellent football. The match got off to a cagey start with Star finding it difficult to break down Lisburn's 4-5-1 formation. Star's first chance fell to Mark Mooney who could only drag his shot wide. Niall Hawkins had a great chance to score but saw his effort go high and over from close range.

Star's best chances to open the scoring fell to PJ O'Neill whos point volley was expertly saved by the Lisburn keeper and the big striker was again frustrated by the keeper when his backheel was blocked once again by the big keeper. Star's defence were having little to deal with and Paul McClaron was pulling the strings in midfield to exert Star's dominance.

The break through finally came in the 35th minute when the impressive Philip Savage 25 yard right foot shot was palmed away by the Lisburn keeper however Mark Mooney was quickest to react and he blasted homethe rebound to give Star a deserved lead. Star had further chances to increase their lead however poor finishing meant they only went one up going into half time. H/T 1-0

Manager Eamonn Hawkins demanded his players be more clinical at half time and he got the perfect response when centre half Paul Berne rose highest to power home a header from a McKervey corner in the 50th minute. Mc Claron had a few efforts to increase Star's advantage however he failed to convert these. Star made a few changes with Joe McNeill replacing the injured Niall Hawkins and Ciaran Murphy replacing O'Neill. Ciaran Murphy's pace was proving to be a handful for the defence and he missed a few chances.

Star were to get a third when some nice interplay between Mooney, McClaron and Fra Murphy saw the latter find some space and he skillfully beat 2 defenders to cooly slot past the keeper. Fra Muphy got his second goal and Star's fourth when he volleyed home from the 18 yard line. Gareth O'Neilll replaced Savage with 15 minutes to go and Mooney rounded off the scoring when he scored from close range. F/T 5-0

Crumlin Star would like to thank Castle Upholsterys for sponsoring the Cup game!!!

Next week Star are away to Lisburn Rangers in the league with a 2pm kickoff.   

Team: Thompson(7), McDowell(7), Burns(8), Berne(6.5), Savage(8), Mooney(6.5), McClaron(9), Hawkins(7), McKervey(7), PJ O'Neill(7), F.Murphy(9), C.Murphy(7), McNeill(7), G.O'Neill(7)   

Two goals from Mooney on Saturday!