Star return to winning ways
RED STAR travelled to Parklea on Saturday February 11 to take on the league’s bottom side, Port Glasgow OBU, and after an excellent performance returned home with all three points.
Despite a positive start, Red Star could have been a goal down after ten minutes.
OBU broke down the left and the ball was laid back to the on rushing midfielder, however, his shot sailed over the bar from close range as Star breathed a sigh of relief.
The visitors made the most of this let off and took control of the game.
The scoring was opened when a free kick from Kieran Moore was met by the head of an OBU defender.
The centre back tried to clear the ball but could only head it towards goal. The keeper kept the ball out but first to react was Mark Robertson who was on hand to finish from close range for his first goal of the season.
With the hosts chasing the game, Star were happy to use the wide pitch to their advantage allowing the midfield three of Aaron Moore, Lee MacLean and Mark Robertson plenty space to pick their passes.
Star doubled their lead after half an hour when Connor Crawford set off on a run from the left back position, overlapping Colin Weir who found him near the touchline. Crawford got to the byline before crossing the ball into the box where he found Kieran Moore who finished into the bottom corner to make the score 0-2.
The pace of Ciaran McPhie was once again causing his opponents plenty problems and he was there to set up Kieran Moore for his second of the afternoon, cutting in from the right hand side and laying the ball off for his fellow youngster to score again and put Star in control.
Into the second half, OBU showed some resistance as they looked to put the Star backline of Ali Provan, Kyle Selfridge, Luke Naisby and Connor Crawford under pressure.
It was a slightly sloppy star to the half from Red Star who were almost punished when the OBU forward latched onto a through ball. His effort beat Kalache, however Luke Naisby was able to scramble back and clear the ball to safety and preserve a clean sheet.
The match was over as a contest after an hour when Star got their game going again.
This time a smart passing move was met by Lee MacLean who found the bottom corner from the edge of the box and Star had the points in the bag at 0-4.
Star were not finished scoring and added a further two goals. A Lee MacLean free kick was met by Ben Forbes at the back post and the defender got himself on the scoresheet when he pulled the ball down before hammering an effort past the keeper.
OBU were reduced to ten men when their centre back, who had accumulated a series of fouls, was shown a second yellow for aiming a petulant kick at Kieran Moore.
The Lochgilphead side rounded off a satisfying afternoon with a breakaway goal. This time it was Luke Naisby venturing forward and putting the finishing touches to another fine move and the match ended 0-6.
Victoria Hotel sponsored Red Star will look to take this form into tomorrow’s match away to East Kilbride YM.