Star shine against Thistle

DALBEATTIE Star ran out 4-1 winners against Lochar Thistle at Islecroft Stadium on Saturday in a hotly anticipated South of Scotland League clash. Both sides took their to time to settle into the game and the contest was pretty even as it approached the half hour mark. But it was Dalbeattie who took the lead just after the 30 minute mark. Greig Corbett lost possession in the Star half and the ball fell to Dalbeattie attacker Connor Potts who advanced with it five yards into the Lochar half. He noticed young Thistle goalie Blaine Badenhorst off his line and proceeded to lob the keeper who scrambled back to no avail. Lochar tried to get back on level terms but Finlay Kennedy’s poked shot was saved by Dalbeattie shotstopper Jake Gemmell. The hosts then added a second in injury time of the first half when a corner was missed by Badenhorst as well as the defence, and the ball found the net after hitting the head of Thistle defender Kyle Braid. The second half was only five minutes old when Dalbeattie added a third with a good counter attack following a Lochar corner. A quick break up the park was not dealt with by the visitors and a side foot finish from Ross Hunter put Star three up. Kennedy tried again to bring Lochar back into the game but his 25 yard strike went inches over the bar. Dalbeattie put the game to bed just after the hour mark when a quick counter attack saw them add a fourth. Lochar did eventually manage to get themselves on the scoresheet two minutes later when Kennedy’s 25 yard free kick found the top corner. And it looked as though they had a second goal on 82 minutes but Cammy Shaw’s effort was saved before the ball was eventually cleared from the line and, from the clearance, Jack Caskie’s right footed volley was superbly blocked on the line. Thistle continued to pressure the home defence but Dalbeattie held firm to seal the 4-1 win. Over at New Abbey it was a day to forget for Abbey Vale as they were trounced 7-0 at home to Stranraer Reserves. After taking an early lead, the Reserves, who are top of the table, went in four goals up at the break and added three more in the second period. This Saturday, Lochar Thistle’s quest to retain the South of Scotland League Cup begins when high flying Stranraer visit Wilson Park. Abbey Vale, meanwhile, are also at home. They entertain Lochmaben in the semi final of the Alba Cup.