Star hosted 1B opposition Lisburn Rangers on Saturday at a rain swept Mallusk and came away very much deserved 5-1 winners to progress to the quarter finals of the Clarence Cup. Star went into the match full of confidence after some terrific results and this showed when in the first 90 seconds a nice interchange of passes between Mc Kervey and Doran saw the latter find Devenny and the big striker blasted the ball into the bottom corner to give the star an early advantage. Star pressed for a second and the front two of Brown and Devenny were torturing the Lisburn backline with Brown forcing the keeper to make a save low to his right. Star's second did arrive in the 20th minute when Brown was bungled in the box, after good play from Devenny and O'Dwyre, by the Lisburn centre half.  Mc Kervey stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to double Star's advantage and score his 27th goal of the season. Star's midfield of Reid, Braniff, Doran and McKervey were dominating the game in difficult conditions and still playing some nice football on a tough pitch. Star had more chances before the break with Brown and Mc Kervey missing a few chances but went into the break 2 goals up.

 

H/T 2-0

 

The second half wasn't much different with Star dominating and Lisburn offering very little. The backline of Neilis, O Reilly, (B) Mooney  and Keenan gave the Lisburn front two no room and chances as Star were pressured from the odd counter attack. Once again Star missed a few chances however Brown got the third when he finished from close range. Star made a few changes with Mc Connell (M) Mooney and Clarke replacing Doran Mc Kervey and Devenny with Mc Connell and (M) Mooney making an immediate impact when Mc Connell crossed for (M) Mooney who blasted the ball past the keeper to get Star's fourth goal. (M) Mooney got on the score sheet again when Brown sent him through on goal and (M)Mooney cooly rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home. Lisburn got a late consolation and Star also lost (B) Mooney to a nasty looking injury which could keep him out for a few weeks. Manger Eamonn Hawkins was delighted with the win and the result shows that Star should and could easily play at a higher level. Next week Star return to league action when they host Iveagh Utd at Mallusk.

 

F/T 5-1 

 

TEAM: O'Dwyre  Nellis  Keenan  O'Reilly  B Mooney   Doran  McKervey  Reid  Braniff  Devenny  Brown  SUBS: M Mooney  Clarke  Mc Connell