Port trip bittersweet for Star
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Red Star travelled to Parklea on Saturday to play Port Glasgow and were disappointed to only return with a point despite another spirited late comeback.
The game started well enough for the visitors when Ciaran McPhie headed home the opening goal after four minutes as his header connected with an excellent delivery from Craig Millar to put Star 0-1 up.
The home side, who have only lost once at home all season, came back in spirited fashion and were level after 20 minutes from the penalty spot.
Craig Aitken was the unlucky Star defender to be penalised when on the follow-through of his clearance, the Port striker made contact with his boot and the referee pointed to the spot. The Port forward stepped up and finished nicely to make it 1-1.
Port got themselves in front just before the break when Star failed to clear from a cross ball and the ball was bundled into the net.
Into the second half and Star began to turn the screw forcing the Port Glasgow number one into making some smart saves before Aaron Moore was on hand to fire his low shot into the bottom corner after some good set-up play from Craig Millar to make it 2-2 with 20 minutes remaining.
Port Glasgow edged back in front soon after, however, when their striker rose highest to beat Leon Murphy to the ball and send a looping header into the net. Red Star weren’t finished and were level through a penalty of their own when McPhie was taken out in the box; despite having his initial effort saved the striker steadied himself to finish well on the rebound.
It was Star who had the chances to force a winner with McPhie unlucky to see his effort come crashing back off the bar before a heavy touch spurned Ruaridh Green’s chances of scoring the winner on his Red Star debut.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Red Star play their penultimate game of the league season as they welcome Dunoon to the Joint Campus 3G. Kick off is 1pm.
From left, trophy winners Tom Campbell, Ross Sinclair, David Philips and Donald Carmichael.
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