Star II's put in a clinical performance to defeat 18th Newtownabbey II 4-0 at Mallusk on Saturday. This result means that the seconds are just two points away from promotion and are still in with a great chance of winning the title. The first 15 mins of the half saw both teams fail to create any real chances however as the half progressed the Star upped the tempo and should have went ahead when veteran maestro Hagans played a lovely ball to cairns who unfortunately shot straight at the keeper. Star pushed for the opener with the midfield of Cairns, Scully, Hagans and Murphy playing very well and creating chances for the front duo of Osborne and Mc Nally. (S) Murray, Hagans and Murphy all saw their efforts go wide as 18th continued to frustrate them however on 35 mins Scully turned his marker before back heeling the ball too Hagans who played a defence splitting ball to Cairns who made no mistake when he fired low in the bottom corner to give Star the lead. The goal relaxed Star and the defence of (S) Murray, Hawkins, Mallon and Currie were winning every header and tackle to keep out the 18th forwards. Star went further ahead when Mc Nally was sent clear on the right by Murphy and Mc Nally beat 2 defenders only to be brought down and the ref awarded a penalty. Scully stepped up and cooly sent the keeper the wrong way to double Star's advantage.

Star started the second half a bit sloppy with 18th seeing more of the ball and looking a bit dangerous however any sign of a comeback was quickly erased when a long Hagans throw hit the post and Cairns latched on to the loose ball to strike a volley into the far top corner. Mc Nally was also denied a clear penalty when he was broght down in the area after going through on goal however the ref waved play on and Hawkins also had a header cleared off the line. Star then introduced Gouldie, Mc Coey and Teer for Osborne, Murphy and Mc Nally and Star quickly got a fourth when a Hagans corner was flicked on by Hawkins and a 18th defender diverted the ball into the net for an own goal. Manager Scully  was delighted with the  effort and football played by his team  and wants to see more of the same  as his team close in on promotion and the title.

Man of Match  Scully

F/T 4-0

Team: Mal Thompson, Stephen Murray, Michael Hawkins, Conor Mallon, Paul Currie, Jim Hagans,  Paul Scullion, Ciaran Cairns, Fernando Murphy, James Mc Nally, Conor Osborne Subs: James Gouldie, Tony Mc Coey, Declan Teer