Downshire 1 - 3 Crumlin Star

Crumlin Star progressed to the third round of the Clarence Cup after a battling display to in the end comfortably beat their 1B rivals at Hillsborough. Hawkins restored McLarnon, PJ O'Neill and McKervey back to the starting line up after their rest in midweek as Star looked to freshen things. The match got off to a cagey start as both teams struggled to play football due to the very soft pitch with some rash tackles flying in. Star were first to threaten in attack as PJ O'Neill headed over from a McKervey cross and from here Star pressed with Ciaran Murphy's pace and skill on the right wing causing the home side's defence problems. Ciaran Reid had a tame shot from the edge of the area easily saved and Fra Murphy could not beat the keeper after wiggling past 3 defenders. Star's defence was being well marshalled by Ciaran Burns as Downshire struggled to get a shot on goal. A few hefty challenges were being made by both teams as tempers were rising however Star got their noses in front when PJ O'Neill was released on the right wing by McKervey and the big striker skillfully found Murphy who tapped in from close range. Berne, Savage and O'Reilly were solid in defence to ensure Star went into the break 1 up.

H/T 0-1

The second half started with a few handbags once the Star settled they battled away to try and double their advantage. On 70 mins Mooney and McNeill replaced Murphy and McKervey and McNeill almost made an instant impact when his 25 yard drive smashed against the crossbar. Fra Murphy was then upended in the box after being put through by O'Neill however the ref waved play on much to the anger of Hawkins and Sean Brown. Star did get a killer second goal with McNeill scoring a close range header and soon after PJ O'Neill scored a third to put Star into the next round. Star conceded a sloppy goal at the death. F/T 1-3

 Next week Star return to league action when they take on Sirocco at Solitude 2pm kick off. 

Joe McNeill got a goal on Sat!!!