Star ‘Rhu’ errors in cup exit
Lochgilphead Red Star travelled to Hermitage Academy last Saturday to play Rhu in the second round of the Scottish Amateur Cup - and exited the competition despite scoring four goals.
Star’s manager Colin Weir was once again left with selection issues as a result of injuries and other commitments, however, he was at least able to name two subs in the matchday squad for this game.
The game started off in endto-end fashion and this would be the theme of the day.
Fraser Talbot opened the scoring for Star after 24 minutes when the ball broke to him in the box and he beat the keeper with the aid of a deflection.
The lead didn’t last long for Star, however, as Rhu equalised five minutes later with an excellent effort from long range.
A crazy spell of five minutes before the break began when Star went 2-1 up after Aaron Moore was taken out by the keeper in the box and Ciaran McPhie converted from the penalty spot. Once again though Star were guilty of switching off and Rhu equalised almost immediately as Star failed to clear their lines.
The Lochgilphead side did go in at the break with a narrow 3-2 lead after Aaron Moore beat the goalkeeper to the ball at the near post after a Stuart MacLean delivery.
The opening stages of the second half belonged to Rhu, however, as they equalised from a corner before going into the lead at 4-3 as their striker scored his second of the afternoon.
The tie looked over with 20 minutes to go when the hosts added a fifth after slack play at the back from Star.
The visitors didn’t give up however and pulled it back to 5-4 after an excellent solo effort from McPhie set up a thrilling ending.
Star thought they had equalised after a scramble in the box saw Ian Munro get his shot in from close range and despite claims from Star the ball was over, the referee waved play on. From the resulting counter, Rhu broke on a now exposed Red Star defence and re-established a two-goal lead to finally resign Star to defeat in the tie.
After this whirlwind match, Star will be looking for a calm and assured performance, and three precious league points, when they travel to face Dunoon in another Argyll Derby.
The game is at Dunoon Stadium and kicks off at 1pm.