Star II's maintained their recent good form with a 2-0 win at home to Larne Tech II. Star made 2 changes with player manager Scully replacing the injured Mc Cusker in the centre of midfield and Currie returning to the squad. Star started the brighter of the two teams with Mc Nally testing the keeper early on with a low shot. Star's pacy wingers Murphy and Cairns were a constant danger with their tricky wide play and excellent delivery from corners. Star pressed forward for the opener and nearly got it when Gormley headed against the bar from a Hagans cross. Larne Tech posed a threat on the counter attack but the defence of (S) Murray, Hawkins, Mallon and Hagans were on top of their game and limiting Larne's chances. Star were playing their best football for a few weeks but Larne continued to frustrate them with Mc Nally and Osborne having shots well saved. Scully and Gormley were dominating midfield and the opening goal of the game arrived on 43 mins when Mc Nally won the ball in midfield and played in Hagans whos dangerous cross was headed into the net by a Larne defender. Osborne also had claims for a penalty turned down after being bundled in the box.

 

 

Star started the second half a bit slower with Larne creating a few chances however good goalkeeping by Thompson kept them at bay. Front duo of Mc Nally and Osborne were working hard and Mc Nally should have had a penalty when he was fouled in the box after a mazy run. Star pressed for a second however the Larne keeper denied Murphy and Cairns on several occasions. Mc Nally rattled the crossbar from 18 yards and Hawkins put a header just over the bar from a corner. Star made a few changes with Mc Coey and Currie coming on for Murray and Osborne as Star searched for a killer second goal. It finally arrived on 80 mins when Cairns was played in and he made no mistake to double Star's advantage. Gouldie replaced Scully and Star nearly had a third when Currie's shot from 25 yards just missed the target. Manager Scully was delighted with the win and the football played by his team and these 3 crucial points keeps the seconds in with a great chance of promotion and the title.