RESULTS

Coalisland Athletic 4-5  Crumlin Star Junior Cup Round 1

Another Junior Cup campaign starts on Saturday for the firsts with a tough Round 1 tie away to Coalisland Athletic.

Coalisland proved to be a very stern test. Coalisland rushed into a 3 goal lead and went into half time 3-1 up. However an amazing second half comeback for Star saw them snatch the winner deep into injury time and emerge victorious 5-4. 

Crumlin Star II vs East Belfast II  NAFL Division 3C

The defending champions have their first home game on Saturday with a tricky tie against East Belfast.

The seconds put their opening day defeat behind them with a 7-0 win against East Belfast II at Mallusk. Star started the brighter with (C) Braniff and (D)Murray putting their shots just over the bar. With Star attacking East Belfast looked to break on the counter attack however a few good saves from O' Dwyer in goal saved Star from falling behind. Star started to play better football with central midfield pairing Scully and Whelan beating players and passing well with Bap and in particular (C) Braniff holding the ball up well and linking the play. Star took the lead when Whelan rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the net. Star's second quickly arrived when a one two between Mc Mullan and (C) Braniff saw Mc Mullan put in a dangerous cross and the ball fell kindly to (D) Murray who finished smartly into the bottom corner.  Star got a third just before half time when Bap shot beat the keeper from 15 yards. H/T 3-0

Star started the second half strongly and should have extended their lead with some more missed chances. The defence of Hagans, Mallon, Gormley and (S)Murray were dealing with any East attacks and the strong running of Mc Mullan on the right was causing East problems. Star did extend their lead when (S)Murray played a cross field ball to (C)Braniff who put Whelan clear on goal however he was fouled in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Up stepped Scully who comfortably beat the keeper by blasting the ball into the roof of the net. Star made a change with returning Mc Nally replacing Bap. Scully got a second when he was put through on goal by a Mc Nally pass and he finished well to the keeper's left. Star got 2 quick goals just before full time with the first goal being scored by Osborneand the second goal by Whelan being a cracking finish into the top corner. Manager Scully was delighted with the win and hoped his team could push on and successfully defend their title. F/T 7-0

Starman: Timmy Whelan