Red Star dominate opening day derby against Tarbert

RED STAR made the short journey south to play local rivals Tarbert AFC last Saturday in the opening match of the new amateur league season, returning with all three points after a good second half performance.

The early stages were quite scrappy with both sides looking to win the midfield battle but Star were soon able to get on top, forcing a number of good saves from Tarbert’s keeper Duncan MacDougall.

Neil Russell saw a couple of efforts saved and Keiran Moore saw a long distance strike tipped over before Star eventually got the breakthrough on the stroke of half time.

A corner was cleared as far as Ben Forbes who met the ball twenty yards out and his powerful effort with a slight deflection nestled in the corner for 0-1 at half time.

Red Star set about putting the game to bed in the second half and a couple of quick goals soon ended the match as a contest.

Ciaran McPhie managed to break clear on the left and after playing a neat one-two with Neil Russell, he found the bottom corner to double Star’s lead.

The third goal came from a Robert Docherty cross which was turned into his own net by an unfortunate Tarbert defender.

Star’s tails were up now and they had several chances to add to the scoring, with Ciaran McPhie and Kieran Moore combining well in attack.

The pair exchanged passes once more as McPhie added to his tally to make it 0-4 to Red Star. McPhie rounded off his and Red Star’s afternoon in fine style as he completed a hat trick to get Star off to the perfect start with a 0-5 win.

Tomorrow Red Star have their first home game of the season as they take on Cardross AFC. The game kicks off at the Ropework at 2.00pm.