Last season Star lost out in the Haig Gordon Cup at the semi final stage as they eliminated both Annandale sides before losing to Creetown on penalties. This season they were knocked out at the first stage by Nithsdale Wanderers at Lorimer Park as the home side won by four goals to two.

Everyone knows what kind of match you get when you face Nithsdale, especially away from home, and this game was no different. They are always physical battles and Lorimer Park can be an intimidating place to play as well as officiate in, and a lot depends on how you cope with that as both a player as well as an official. Star's last trip to Sanquhar ended in a controversial 4-3 league defeat and this match also had its moments of contention. 

The visitors began brightly and Kyle Higgins curled a free kick inches wide in the 6th minute and soon after Declan Rogerson had an effort cleared off the line. It was the home side though that opened the scoring in the 25th minute when Sean McKenzie netted but Star levelled just three minutes later when Rogerson set up Cammy Shaw at the edge of the box and he found the top corner with a superb strike. By this time Star keeper Johnny Green had been on the wrong end of a couple of questionable challenges that on another day may have resulted in red cards, but not on this day. Despite this Star took the lead with another spectacular effort this time from the foot of Connor Potts who found the top corner from outside the box. Soon after Star had the ball in the back of the net but incredibly the goal was chalked off for offside and to rub salt into the Star wounds, McKenzie scored to level matters at two goals each at the break.

Nine minutes after the re-start David Watt put the home ahead for the second time in the match and the onus was now on Star to come back again. Try as they might they struggled to create any clear chances and Nithsdale clinched their place in the semi finals when they were awarded a penalty kick with just two minutes left. Keeper Green did well to save the spot kick but McKenzie was able to score with the rebound and complete his hat-trick.

A disappointing afternoon for Star but they did score two stunning goals and there was also the more than welcome return as substitute of club captain Dan Carmichael after being out injured for 11 weeks. Dan has been sorely missed during this spell and though it will take a few weeks to get his match fitness up to scratch, his presence will be crucial as we hope he can inspire his team mates in to putting together a run that can see us close the gap at the top of the league. This is especially important this weekend with a massive trip to Lochar Thistle in what is easily our biggest game of the season so far.   

NITHSDALE WANDERERS 4                                   DALBEATTIE STAR 2       

McKenzie (25, 41, 88)                                            Shaw (28)

Watt (54)                                                                    Potts (35)

                                                                                        HT 2-2    Att

NITHSDALE WANDERERS: Kerr, Watt, McCluskie, Milne, S Bell, Farrow, Harper (Thom 86), Gallacher (Adams 59), McKenzie, Degnan, McNeil (Naismith 76)

Subs not used: A Lang, K Bell, L Lang

Yellow Cards: Harper, Degnan, Farrow, Watt

DALBEATTIE STAR: Green, McMurtrie, Jamieson (Carmichael 80), Williamson, Bryson, Taylor (Swan 74), Potts, Higgins, Hunter, Shaw, Rogerson (Williams 70)

Subs not used: Gemmell, Devlin

Yellow

Ref: R Marshall

Star booked their place in the South of Scotland League Cup Final where they will face Lochar Thistle in a repeat of last seasons final. If Star go on to lift the trophy they will have done it the hard having beaten Nithsdale Wanderers, Abbey Vale and now Newton Stewart after this engrossing semi final. This was the third meeting between the two teams this season, all at Islecroft and all very tight affairs that could easily have gone either way.

The home side got off to a blistering start and found themselves two goals up inside ten minutes. The opener came with less than 90 seconds on the clock when Cammy Bryson found Luke McMurtrie down the right with a fine pass and the full backs driven cross was flicked on by Connor Potts into the path off Ross Hunter who stabbed the ball home from close range, just beating defender Matthew Deazeley and keeper Euan Drysdale to the ball. Star looked determined to build on this lead and were finding a lot of joy down the right flank with the Creesiders defence struggling to cope. Indeed in the 4th minute a near identical move again found Hunter in the area but this time he volleyed wide under pressure. In the 9th minute Star doubled their lead with a quality finish from Connor Potts. Dale Milligan found him in space just inside the penalty area and he flicked the ball in the air before smashing a sweetly struck left foot volley past former Star stopper Drysdale. It was the perfect start for the Islecroft side but before they could settle on their lead the visitors were right back in the tie when Robert Middleton, just returning from a long term injury, latched on to a chipped ball into the area. He Lifted the ball over the head of an advancing defender before allowing the ball to drop and then drilling the ball powerfully past Star keeper Johnny Green. This stunned the home side and their fans and before you knew it parity was restored in the 20th minute when Jack Marshall scored direct from a corner kick when he whipped in a vicious delivery with his left foot that sneaked in at the back post.

After witnessing four goals in the opening 20 minutes perhaps the biggest surprise of the afternoon was that there would just be one more goal scored and it would come with only five minutes remaining. That's not to say there was little goalmouth action but it was more to do with the fact both defences began to perform to the level you would expect. On numerous occasions in the second half Star did well to get in to excellent positions but only some brilliant last ditch defending prevented them from having a strike on goal. Back to the first half though and Marshall had two great chances to put Newton ahead but his first shot was tipped over by Green and with the second he blasted his half volley well off target from a good position. Before that some fine footwork from Milligan gave him a yard of space from where he curled in a terrific effort that smacked off the top of the bar. In the 37th minute Dale looked sure to score when McMurtrie fired in a brilliant cross to the back post but Deazeley managed to get the merest of touches with his head and the ball flew to safety.

With Star  kicking down the slope in the second half they had the visitors pinned in their own half for long spells. However the Newton back four performed well and despite piling on the pressure the home side struggled to create many clear cut chances. At the other end the Star defence kept their concentration well as Newton are a dangerous side on the break but again the back four was well on top. The first chance of the second period came in the 53rd minute when a fine move created some space for Hunter but his left foot shot lacked its usual power and accuracy and Drysdale collected comfortably. Two minutes later the visitors had their best chance but Marc Whyte mis-hit his shot and the chance was gone. The winner came with just five minutes remaining and it would take some good fortune on the home sides part to decide the tie. Star broke at pace down the right wing and Cammy Shaw fired in a driven cross that flew over keeper Drysdale and crashed off the inside of the far post before nestling into the back of the net. When the two sides met the week before Cammy scored Star's third in the 85th minute so there is certainly something that the striker likes about playing the Creesiders. Newton threw everything forward to try and grab an equaliser and in the first minute of stoppage time they had a great chance when a cross came in from the right the ball fell nicely to a Newton player but a brilliant block from David Taylor ensured the ball would not find the back of the net and Star were through to the final.

Next week Star remain on cup duty as they begin their Haig Gordon Memorial Trophy with a trip to Nithsdale Wanderers.  

DALBEATTIE STAR 3                                                 NEWTON STEWART 2

Hunter (2)                                                                   Middleton (12)

Potts (9)                                                                      Marshall (20)

Shaw (84)                                                                   HT 2-2    Att 134

DALBEATTIE STAR: Green, McMurtrie, Jamieson, Williamson, Bryson, Taylor, Potts, Higgins, Hunter, Milligan (Shaw 72), Meechan (Middlemiss 42)

Subs not used: Carmichael, McConaghie, Swan, Rogerson, Hyslop

Yellow Cards: Williamson, Milligan, Potts

NEWTON STEWART: E Drysdale, Deazeley, Murray, Service, Anderson, R Thomson (Garrett 86), Whyte, Middleton, McKeand (MacDonald 78), A Drysdale, Marshall (Ellis 80)

Subs not used: Brown, A Thomson, Thorburn

Yellow Cards: McKeand, Marshall, Service, Garrett

Ref: A Halliday

Star made it through to the last eight of the Tweedie Cup with a dogged and determined display against Newton Stewart. This encounter will never be remembered as a classic with both teams being far from their best, but the most important part of cup football is the result and making sure your name is in the hat for the draw for the next round. After the disappointment of the previous week the players showed plenty of character and grit to eke out the win and hopefully then can use it as a springboard to begin a good run of results against the top teams in the coming weeks.

The home side had the better of the first half with chances falling to Connor Potts, Dale Milligan and Adam Jamieson. The deadlock was broken though in the 25th minute when MIlligan found Connor Potts who played in Olly Meechan and he beat former Star keeper Euan Drysdale from 12 yards with a shot that went in off the post. The visitors began the second period more positively and substitute Robert Middleton forced keeper Johnny Green into a fine save. Just before the hour they were back on level terms when a defensive lapse allowed Aaron Drysdale to collect the ball and he shot low past Green from the edge of the box. The game was very much in the balance now and you got the feeling the next goal would be crucial. Thankfully for Star it came their way with just over 20 minutes left when a near post Potts corner was met by a majestic leap from Russell Williamson and he headed home from close range. The Creesiders had to push forward looking for an equaliser but it was the Islecroft side that struck next to safely book their place in the next round. With just five minutes remaining, brilliant play by Higgins set up substitute Cammy Shaw and he knocked the ball past Drysdale from six yards.

Next up is part two of the Dalbeattie Star/Newton Stewart double header, this time in the League Cup with a place in the final up for grabs. Hopefully the quality on display will be up a notch or two from this match but as said before the most important part is the final result, so we would all take a repeat of this game to ensure a place in one of the showpiece matches of the South season.

DALBEATTIE STAR 3                                                 NEWTON STEWART 1

Meechan (25)                                                           A Drysdale (58)

Williamson (69)

Shaw (85)                                                                   HT 1-0    Att 133

DALBEATTIE STAR: Green, McMurtrie, Jamieson, Williamson, Bryson, Taylor, Potts, Higgins, Hunter (Shaw 56), Milligan (McConaghie 80), Meechan (Rogerson 65)

Subs not used: Swan, Devlin

Yellow Cards: Bryson, Hunter, McMurtrie, Taylor

NEWTON STEWART: E Drysdale, A Drysdale, Murray, Service, Anderson, Hughan (Marshall 78), Ellis (Middleton 46), Whyte, Splaine, McKeand, Deazeley (Thomson 61)

Subs not used: McClymont, MacDonald, McCulloch, Thorburn

Yellow Cards: Whyte, Deazeley, Service, McKeand, Splaine

Ref: J Brown

Thanks to Bobby Geddes for the photos.

It was certainly a bad day at the office for Dalbeattie Star as they deservedly lost to Stranraer, a result that saw them drop from top of the league to fourth. Not only was it a poor result for the Islecroft side, the performance was nowhere near the standards they have set for themselves over the last season or so. Other than a 15 minute spell in the second half when they had the visitors under some pressure, Star struggled to find any cohesion and even the basics seemed difficult. This result takes Stranraer above Star in the league and if they continue with this form they will not be far away come the end of the season.

On a perfect afternoon for football it was the Wigtownshire side that started brightly and in the 6th minute Carter McKane latched on to a ball over the top but he poked the ball past keeper Johnny Green but wide of the post. The young keeper was between the sticks after Jake Gemmell picked up a knee injury in training during the week and two minutes later he was beaten. Martin McClorey whipped in a vicious inswinging corner that evaded everyone in the middle and despite the best efforts of David Taylor at the back post the ball ended up in the back of the net. Star's response was swift and clinical and within two minutes later they were back on level terms. A long throw from Cammy Bryson was chested down by Ross Hunter to Kyle Hunter and his left foot shot beat keeper Craig Burns but came back off the goalies left hand post. The rebound though came back out to Higgins and he swept the ball home from 10 yards giving Burns no chance at all. Any hope that this goal would kick Star into gear were quickly dispelled as they struggled to get their game together. In the 14th minute Gordon Forbes found space at the back post from a corner but his header was knocked off the line by Bryson. Star put together a good move soon after that ended with Connor Potts firing wide from 25 yards but again the majority of play was in the home sides half. They survived an almighty scramble in their goalmouth following another corner and just when it looked like they would do well to go in at the interval on level terms, they fell behind in stoppage time. Most of the visitors danger was coming down their right wing and from that flank the ball was cut back to Harry Mitchell and his first time shot from close range took a deflection off a defender before going past Green, though the ball may well have been going in anyway.

The home fans were probably looking for some kind of reaction at the start of the second half and within four minutes Star equalised. Hunter exchanged passes with substitute Declan Rogerson and was clipped as he strode into the box and picked himself up before firing the perfect penalty past Burns. Before Star could build on this they were trailing yet again and again the damage came down the Stranraer right. Again the ball was played back to Mitchell who took a touch, swivelled and fired a fine low drive inside the far post from just inside the box. It was after this that Star had a decent spell after they began to pile the pressure on to the visiting defence and they held firm. Rogerson was denied by a flying save from Burns but minutes later Mitchell had a great chance to complete his hat-trick but he shot wildly over. The closest Star came to equalising was when Connor Potts skipped past a couple of challenges but his effort shaved the outside of Burns' left hand post. In the last minute though the home side were caught by a breakaway and Euan Sneddon sealed the points with a vey good volley that flew high past Green, giving the keeper no chance at all.

So a hugely disappointing result and performance for Star but one they will need to get over very quickly as we approach a busy spell of games against teams in the top half of the table. It is important we all pull together and get back to winning ways with a Newton Stewart double header coming up on the horizon.    

DALBEATTIE STAR 2                                                 STRANRAER 4

Higgins (10)                                                                McClorey (8)

Hunter (49pen)                                                         Mitchell (45+1, 51)

                                                                                         Sneddon (89)

                                                                                        HT 1-2    Att 122

DALBEATTIE STAR: Green, Bryson (Williams 80), Jamieson (McMurtrie 52), McConaghie (Milligan 56), Williamson, Taylor, Potts, Higgins, Hunter, Middlemiss, Meechan (Rogerson 46)

Subs not used: E Gourlay, Swan, Devlin

Yellow Cards: Meechan

STRANRAER: Burns, Phillips, Clive, Hanlin, McKane, McClorey (Gallagher 80), Mitchell, Wilde (Paton 80), Robertson, Ferguson (Sneddon 67), Forbes (Hilferty 88)

Subs not used: Collins, Whorlow, McIntyre

Yellow Cards: Mitchell

Ref: J Shepherd

Star's league match away to Upper Annandale had to be abandoned after 72 minutes when fullback Miguel Kamgna Junior dislocated his knee after an accidental collision with his own keeper. It goes without saying everyone at Dalbeattie Star and in the South of Scotland footballing community, wish Miguel a full and speedy recovery and we all hope to see him back playing as soon as possible. Also a special mention to keeper Alistair Ferguson who was clearly distraught after the game, but it was a complete accident and no one could blame him or anyone for what happened.

After the way the match ended the footballing action was secondary but we have to report it so here is a brief account. The visitors started poorly and were very passive early on and deservedly went 2-0 down early on. Kyle Higgins did sting the palms of Ferguson in the 2nd minute but this was an isolated incident and it was no surprise when the home side went ahead in the 8th minute. Centre back Kris Amponsah went on a great tun down the right and his shot came back off the post and the rebound fell to Matt Hall who took a touch before firing high past Jake Gemmell. Five minutes later it was 2-0 when a simple ball over the top was missed by the Star defence and Richard Kasongo ran clear and lobbed the ball over Gemmell. Three minutes later Star were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty for what turned out to be a handball when initially it looked like it was for a trip on Connor Potts, though the first contact was probably outside the box. Ross Hunter stepped up and though Ferguson dived the right way, Hunter's shot had enough power and accuracy to find the back of the net. Despite this, Star struggled to get into any rhythm but the one positive was that Uppers were not threatening either. Just after the half hour Potts could easily have had another spot kick when he was tripped inside the box but this time the appeals were waved away and seconds before the break Connor did ever so well to burst past two defenders before driving the ball across the six yard box and Dale Milligan was inches away from sliding the ball in at the back post.

The second half saw Star begin to get some control on the match and Declan Rogerson went close when he poked the ball past the onrushing keeper but the ball rolled wide  and a few minutes later Higgins took advantage of a defensive mix up but Ferguson did well to come out and block. In the 57th minute Star almost levelled in bizarre circumstances when a corner was curled in and headed clear but keeper Ferguson turned to argue with the referee. Perhaps the Uppers number one didn't realise the ball was still in play but while he was still arguing Adam Jamieson curled in a cross that centre back Kevin Neilson did well to head over from almost under his own bar. It was great to see the former Star favourite still having plenty to give out on the pitch and he and Ross Hunter had a great battle throughout the 72 minutes and the wily old defender used all his experience and know how to try and keep his old side at bay. Just before the hour Star were awarded another penalty when David Taylor was needlessly fouled as he was heading away from goal, but it was a clear foul and a definite penalty. As like before Ferguson guessed correctly but Hunter's strike was low and true and Star certainly had their tails up at last. In the 64th minute the Islecroft side went in front for the first time when Cammy Bryson did well down the right and dinked a ball to the back post where Higgins found space and he somehow managed to squeeze a header inside the back post with a crowd of defenders in front of him much to his and his team mates delight.

Soon after came the horrible injury and the referee told the teams he would wait 15-20 minutes to see if an ambulance would arrive, and when it didn't he had no other option than to abandon the match. The paramedics did arrive soon after and were able to see to Miguel and then take him to Dumfries Royal Infirmary.

Star has a free weekend coming up so our next match is at Islecroft when Stranraer will be the visitors.

UPPER ANNANDALE 2                                            DALBEATTIE STAR 3   Abandoned after 72 mins

Hall (8)                                                                        Hunter (16pen, 59pen)

Kasongo (13)                                                            Higgins (64)

                                                                                        HT 2-1    Att 54

UPPER ANNANDALE: Ferguson, Fallowfield, Kamgna Junior, Cowan, Amponsah, Parker (Onanu 55), Hall, Johnstone, Kasongo, Kouame, Neilson

Subs: Hannay, Ntwali, Myatt, Nelson

Yellow Cards: Neilson, Parker, Amponsah, Ferguson

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson, Jamieson, Williamson, E Gourlay, Taylor, Potts, Higgins, Hunter, Milligan, Rogerson (Middlemiss 62)

Subs: Swan, Green

Yellow Cards: McMurtrie, Meechan, Shaw, Swan G Gourlay, Green

Yellow Cards: Jamieson, Bryson

Ref: G Robertson

Dalbeattie Star climbed to the top of the South of Scotland League for the first time this season following a five goal win over St. Cuthbert Wanderers. The two sides met at Islecroft last week and Star scored eight times without reply and though they found the back of the net five times at St. Mary's, they were certainly made to work a lot harder for the three points this time around. After scoring early on, Star had to show a lot of patience as they finally wore down their opponent at a ground that has always been a difficult one to visit for Dalbeattie sides. Aside from the scoreline it was a good afternoon for the visitors as we saw the return of two players who have been out injured for a number of weeks, Ross Hunter and Olly Meechan.

As the two teams lined up at kick off there was one notable change in the Saints line with Owen Hall wearing the number one jersey a week after he was wearing nearing eight at Islecroft, and he deserves a lot of credit for his performance. He made a number of good saves, some of which could best be described as unorthodox, and was confident enough to come out and claim plenty of crosses. His defence in front of him also did well as they were determined not to go through a repeat of their heavy loss at Dalbeattie.

Star dominated possession from the off and knew that patience would be key as they moved the ball well across the plastic pitch. They were rewarded in the 8th minute when with no apparent danger Kyle Higgins collected a loose ball some 25 yards from goal and scored with a stunning first time swerving shot that gave Hall no chance at all. The goal didn't change the flow of the match at all as Star had the vast majority of the possession and Saints worked their socks off to keep them from adding to their tally. Higgins was inches away from scoring his second just before the half hour when his superb free kick smashed off the underside of the crossbar before being cleared to safety. Just before the break Hall was at full stretch to tip over Connor Potts' header over the bar and as the half time whistle went there were one of two signs of frustration creeping into some of the Star's players demeanour.

As the second half kicked off you always felt the next goal would be crucial and thankfully for Star they didn't have to wait too long for it. A Potts volley was brilliantly turned away by Hall for a corner but Adam Jamieson whipped in a vicious cross to the near post that the keeper could only push against his own defender Chris Wilson, and the ball fell nicely for Dale Milligan who was in the right place to flick the ball home from just inches out. Five minutes later Higgins burst through but his low shot was kept out by the outstretched foot of Hall. MIdway through the half a fine move involving Hunter and Higgins saw the midfielder square the ball across goal where Milligan came sliding in at the back post but Dale couldn't make good enough contact and Hall gleefully collected the loose ball. It was now a matter of time before Star scored a third and it came in the 72nd minute when Luke McMurtrie put in a fine cross from the right that both Hunter and Hall went for and missed and there was substitute Cammy Shaw to score with a half volley into the empty net. Two minutes later and it was 4-0 as Hunter scored on his return. This time Shaw was the provider as he unselfishly squared the ball to Hunter rather than have a shot himself and Ross slid the ball home from six yards. Hall then produced another fine save to keep out Declan Rogerson's shot from the edge of the box and the scoring ended six minutes from time when Shaw was sent clean through and poked the ball past Hall for his own second goal.

So another good afternoon for Star as they now top the league and see the squad strengthened by the return of some of the walking wounded. Next up is a trip to face Upper Annandale again in the league, but don't be fooled by their position in the league. Any team under the leadership of Bryan Gilfillan and Kevin Neilson will be more than ready for what promises to be a cracking match as Star look to keep their place at the top of the pile. 

ST CUTHBERT WANDERERS 0                             DALBEATTIE STAR 5

                                                                                        Higgins (8)

                                                                                        Milligan (50)

                                                                                        Shaw (72, 84)

                                                                                        Hunter (74)

                                                                                        HT 0-1    Att 86

ST CUTHBERT WANDERERS: Hall, Wilson, McFayden (Trialist 68), McLellan, Ross, Scobbie, Kirkpatrick, Caygill (Maxwell 84), Campbell, McFadyen (Thomson 62), Kennan

Subs not used: Rudd, Foster, Davis

Yellow Cards: Hall, Kirkpatrick, Caygill, Thomson

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, McMurtrie, Jamieson (Bryson 68), Williamson, E Gourlay, Taylor (Hunter 46), Potts, Higgins (McConaghie 74), Rogerson, Milligan (Shaw 68), Middlemiss (Meechan 68)

Subs not used: Swan, Green

Yellow Cards: Milligan, Higgins

Ref: B Templeton

Dalbeattie Star made it six league wins on the bounce after scoring eight goals at Islecroft against St. Cuthbert Wanderers. Phil Middlemiss was the star of the show after scoring a hat-trick which means he has scored five goals in two matches since returning to Dalbeattie. Despite missing a number of first team regulars it was still a fairly strong starting line up for Star and they were quickly on the front foot, looking to make the points safe as early as possible. They were so quick off the mark a lot of the fans would have missed the opening goal that arrived in 40 seconds. Cammy Shaw set Connor Potts free down the right and he lobbed a neat cross to the back post where Middlemiss stooped low to send his header back across keeper Kenny Davis leaving him rooted to his spot. If the visitors were disappointed at conceding so early then their mood would not have been helped when they conceded a second in the 5th minute. Skipper Adam Jamieson worked a short corner with Kyle Higgins and as he reached the corner of the penalty area most players were expecting a cross into the centre but Jamieson hit a sweetly struck low shot that curled just inside the far post, again giving Davis no chance. The home side were well on top but Charlie Caygill almost pulled one back when his fine strike from some 25 yards was touched over the bar by keeper Johnny Green who came in for the suspended Jake Gemmell. This gave the home side a wee warning and they were soon back on the front foot and Cammy Bryson saw a header from a corner hit the top of the bar. The third goal arrived midway through the half when Jamieson floated a cross to the back post and Higgins ghosted in and showed great technique to score with a superb side footed volley that flew high past the increasingly frustrated Davis. Number four came on the half hour when Middlemiss turned provider when he teed up Shaw inside the box and he scored with a neat first time finish. Three minutes later it was 5-0 and it came from the penalty spot when keeper Davis upended Middlemiss as he ran on to a ball over the top and Phil made no mistake from  12 yards. There was no further scoring in the first half though Middlemiss and Potts both went close. It had been a good opening 45 for Star as they moved the ball quickly and well and this proved to be too much for the Saints to handle.

In comparison the second half started quietly and it took 24 minutes for another goal to arrive. MIddlemiss had a couple of chances to complete his hat-trick and Potts and substitute Declan Rogerson all went close as did Saints striker Grant Watkins but his effort was well blocked. The sixth goal came when Jamieson curled in a corner that Russell Williamson turned in from close range and five minutes later Dale Milligan went on a good run before firing the ball into the six yard box where it eventually fell nicely for MIddlemiss who smashed the ball home for his hat-trick. The scoring ended eight minutes from time when Potts cut in from the left and drilled a low shot from the edge of the box low past Davis. Connor had probably scored  in the 65th minute when his rocket shot smashed off the underside of the bar and from the writers viewpoint crossed the line, but without the help off assistants there was no way the referee could award a goal from where he was standing.

So another three points for Star and with other results going their way they managed to close the gap on some of the teams at the top. This weekend it is part two of the Star/Saints double header this time on the artificial surface at St. Mary's and the champions will be looking for another three points to keep the pressure on the teams above them.     

DALBEATTIE STAR 8                                   ST CUTHBERT WANDERERS 0

Middlemiss (1, 33pen, 74)

Jamieson (5)

Higgins (23)

Shaw (30)

Williamson (69)

Potts (82)                                                      HT 5-0   Att 180

DALBEATTIE STAR: Green, Bryson (McMurtrie 54), Jamieson (Swan 72), McConaghie (Williamson 54), E Gourlay, Taylor, Potts, Higgins, Shaw (Rogerson 54), Milligan (G Gourlay 78), Middlemiss

Subs not used: Benson, Hutchings

Yellow Cards:

ST CUTHBERT WANDERERS: Davis, Wilson (L McFadyen 46), M McFadyen, Scobbie, Ross, McLellan, Thomson (Carruthers 46), Hall (Carter 70), Watkins Kirkpatrick 70), Caygill, Campbell (Harper 70)

Subs not used:

Yellow Cards: Ross, Carruthers

Ref: J Brown

What started out looking like being a fairly routine afternoon for Star ended up being anything but. Come the final whistle they had overcome a number of awkward hurdles in the 90 minutes and come the end of the season, this could well be the best three points of the lot. They got off to the best start possible by going two goals up inside ten minutes, saw goalkeeper Jake Gemmell see red in fifteen before going 3-2 down just after half time. However they kept their cool, re-grouped and fought back to earn a thrilling 4-3 victory.

Star welcomed back Dale Milligan to the starting line up but were still missing a few first team regulars. They immediately went on the front foot and opened the scoring in the 4th minute when Milligan rose highest at the near post to head home Connor Potts' inswinging corner. A minute later and it was nearly two when Milligan's cross from the left was nearly turned into his own net by a Mids defender. The home fans didn't have long to wait for the second though as in the 8th minute Russell Williamson fed the ball inside the fullback to Luke McMurtrie whose low driven cross was turned home by Cammy Shaw with a good first timed finish. It was all going to plan for the Islecroft side but the match was turned on its head in the 15th minute when Star went down to ten men. A ball was played over the Star defence towards Jordan Harley who looked yards offside but keeper Jake Gemmell always looked favourite to reach the ball first. Whether it was the slippery pitch or not but Gemmell came out of his penalty area and though he claimed he made a slight contact with the ball, he fairly clattered into Harley and when both players recovered from the collision. A number of Star players and fans thought the red card was harsh but had the same incident happened at the other end then they would surely have wanted a sending off. However the real sense of injustice was felt because had the referee blown for the offside then none of this would have happened.

Anyway it was now ten against eleven but with a two goal advantage Star must still have been confident of going on to win. The biggest problem though was that the home side did not a goalkeeper on the bench and coach Mikey Devlin went in goal with Ewan Gourlay being the player sacrificed to let him on. Before Star could get used to their new formation the suddenly found themselves back on level terms and new keeper Devlin could not be blamed for either. MIdway through the first half a couple of good interchanges between the Mids forward ended with Lee Taylor through on goal and he gave Devlin no chance with a low left foot shot. Two minutes later and incredibly it was 2-2 and again the home side felt aggrieved at what they felt was yet another wrong offside decision against them, this time in the build up. However the decision wasn't given and the ball eventually came in from the right and was met by the head of Denver Milligan and he placed the ball into the corner of the net. To say everyone at Islecroft was stunned would be something of an understatement and the home side looked like they would be pleased to get in at half time and get the chance to re-group. In the first minute of first half stoppage time it could have been even worse but Adam Jamieson came to the rescue as he cleared Benjamin Wagner's shot off the line.

In the second half Star looked more like their old selves even with a man short. When they got the ball down and moved it quickly they causing Mids all kinds of problems and always looked the more likely team to score. Three minutes after the re-start and Shaw had the ball in the back of the net again but this time it was disallowed for what must have been a very tight offside call. In the 51st minute the Lockerbie side got their noses in front for the first time when full back Aaron Bell cut in front the right and beat Devlin at his near post with a shot that went high into the net. Things were getting really serious for Star now but they kept their composure and continued to play their own game. On the hour and they were back on level terms when Shaw clipped the ball to Potts inside the box who took it in his stride and coolly flicked the ball past keeper Laurie Johnstone with the outside of his boot for an accomplished finish. Star had their tails up now and pushed forward at every opportunity. Kyle Higgins saw his 20 yard drive hit the outside of Johnstone's right hand post as Star stepped up the pressure. Minutes later Johnstone kept his side level tipping Shaw's effort over the bar which was followed up by centre back Ben Robson clearing Higgins' shot off the line. You felt a goal was coming and it duly arrived in the 72nd minute when Cammy Bryson swung in a superb cross from the right and Milligan nipped in front of his marker to glance a terrific header low past Johnstone giving the keeper no chance at all. Star continued to push forward looking for a fifth to give themselves some breathing space but it just wouldn't come. Shaw saw an effort cleared off the line by Robson again, before Potts' free kick was turned out for a corner by Johnstone. Jamieson then went close before Shaw was sent clear and his shot beat Johnstone but came back off the post and fell straight to a yellow jersey. You always felt there would be one last chance for Mids and it duly arrived in the 87th minute when a cross was driven along the Star six yard box but thankfully for the home side substitute Harry Collins was unable to make any contact at the back post and the chance was gone. Star held on to their lead and there was some relief from the home fans when the referee blew his final whistle.

Star remain on league duty next week and it is yet another home match as St. Cuthbert Wanderers visit Islecroft and they will be looking to close the gap at the top of the league.

DALBEATTIE STAR 4                        MID ANNANDALE 3

Milligan (4, 72)                                Taylor (22)

Shaw (8)                                             Milligan (24)

Potts (60)                                           Bell (51)

                                                                HT 2-2   Att 81

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson, Jamieson, Higgins, E Gourlay (Devlin 15), Taylor, Potts, Williamson (McConaghie 67), Shaw, Milligan, McMurtrie

Subs not used: G Gourlay, Hitchings. Swan, Docherty

Yellow Cards: Milligan, Potts

Red Cards: Gemmell (15)

MID ANNANDALE: Johnstone, Bell, Trialist (Trialist 46), Smith (Collins 69), Robson, Leesing, Harley, Jackson, Milligan, Taylor, Wagner

Subs not used: Rae

Yellow Cards:

Ref: R Marshall

Star made it safely through to the semi final of the League Cup thanks to an excellent first half performance against league leaders Abbey Vale. Looking at previous meetings between the two sides it was perhaps strange to be wishing for an away tie as the last number of matches between Star and Vale have ended in away wins.

Both sides went into this match missing a number of influential players and because of this Star signed their former player and Abbey Vale forward Phil Middlemiss literally just hours before kick off and he would go on to have an huge influence on the outcome of the match. In fact it took him just 8 minutes to open the scoring when a fine diagonal pass picked out Connor Potts' run and he drove the ball across the six yard box where Middlemiss was in the right place to pass the ball home. On one of the warmest afternoons of the year this was not a day to go chasing the game so it was going to be important for whichever team to get their noses in front. The visitors first glimpse at the Star goal came in the 16th minute when after a good break striker Robbie Simpson fired wide of the far post. It was to be the last piece of action for the Vale number nine as he had to be replaced with an injury. He had barely taken his seat in the dug out when Star doubled their lead. Good pressing from Cammy Shaw stole the ball from Jay Abraham and he fed it Potts who curled an absolute beauty past keeper Taylor Hall from some 20 yards. Potts picked up the man of the match award after last weeks game and he was continuing his fine form in this tie. 

The visitors then enjoyed their best spell in the match but they struggled to make any impression on the home defence which meant keeper Jake Gemmell had a relatively quiet afternoon.

Middlemiss nearly scored a spectacular third when his dipping volley shaved the outside of Hall's right hand post in the 34th minute but five minutes from the break he found the back of the net to all but clinch the tie. Potts who was clearly enjoying his afternoon, was again the architect when he went on a mazy run inside the Vale penalty area and played the ball across the six yard box where Middlemiss once again was in the right to place to fire home. With there being a water break there was some added time to play and in the first minute Potts saw his hot well saved by Hall. For Vale to have a serious chance of getting themselves back into the match they needed to score the next goal and their best chance came in the second minute of stoppage time. A fine move down the right ended with the ball being fed to Sam Hughes with just Gemmell to beat but he screwed his first time shot wide and the chance was gone.

Abbey boss Allan Clark rang the changes at the start of the second half as he made a triple substitution at the start of the second period. This half proved to be a lot more even than the first but there in terms of goalmouth action there was little to report. Middlemiss came close to hat trick in the 55th minute with a header that Hall got down well to save. Vale had a glorious chance to score six minutes from time but they delayed time and again inside the box and in the end didn't even get a shot away and Jake Gemmell kept his first clean sheet in a Star shirt. Three minutes from time Potts whipped in a vicious free kick from the left wing that Hall did well to fingertip clear and the scoreline would end 3-0.

After a couple of weeks of cup ties it's back to league action next Saturday as Mid Annandale visit Islecroft as we look to close the gap on Vale who remain unbeaten on league duty this season.     

DALBEATTIE STAR 3                                  ABBEY VALE 0

Middlemiss (8, 40)

Potts (21)                                                     HT 3-0   Att 115

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson, Jamieson, McConaghie (McMurtrie 46), E Gourlay, Taylor, Higgins (Benson 59), Williamson (Rogerson 66), Shaw, Middlemiss, Potts

Subs not used: Hutchings, G Gourlay, Devlin

Yellow Cards:

ABBEY VALE: Hall, J Abraham (O Abraham 46) (Arnold 84), Glen, Kirk, Patterson, Heyes, McVinnie (Kerr 46), Hughes, Simpson (Jess 20), Bruce, McKenna (Hodgins 46)

Subs not used: Notman, Roper

Yellow Cards:Glen

Ref: S Doyle

Dalbeattie Star's road to Hampden in this seasons Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup was unfortunately short and not so sweet. In a game that is always one of the highlights of the season, Star went into the match badly hit by injuries, with important players missing the tie altogether and others having to play or sit on the bench nursing a knock. The most notable absentees were captain Dan Carmichael and his midfield partner Kyle Higgins both of whom have been outstanding this season so far. Also missing from the starting line up was Dale Milligan,  but at least he was able to take a seat on the bench though he had to come on a bit earlier than expected when Declan Rogerson when picked up a knock.

Islecroft was in perfect condition for the visit of our old friends and rivals Whitehill Welfare, and even the weather played its part as the sun at long last decided to show its face, even though it may have been for one day only. The visitors kicked off playing down the slope with what wind there was in their back. The match sprang to life in the 5th minute when the home side opened the scoring with a well worked and well taken goal. The move began when Adam Jamieson collected a loose ball and he drove forward from his left back position and picked out Declan Rogerson with a delightful chipped pass. The Star forward took a good first touch on the right flank before firing a cross into the six yard box where Ross Hunter stole a yard on his marker and volleyed home much to the delight of the home support. Despite the poor start Welfare then began to take control of possession but defensively Star was sound and the Rosewell side struggled to trouble Jake Gemmell in the Star goal. It took 33 minutes for them to really threaten and it came after a fortuitous break of the ball set Ryan Hutchison free but Gemmell came out and saved well with his feet. However just two minutes later and Hutchison was clean through again and this time he was able to poke the ball past Gemmell and it trundled into the back of the net. Most of the play was now in the Star half but they were able to hold out without conceding again before the break. However they did have a scare in the 41st minute when there was a scramble from a corner which ended with Jamieson making an excellent goalline clearance.

The second half went along similar lines to the first with Welfare enjoying the lions share of possession without creating many goalscoring opportunities. On the few occasions Star got their passing game together they were able to cause the visiting defence some problems but unfortunately they were few and far between. Just before the hour Hutchison had a great chance to score his second but his back post volley was sliced well past the post. A minute or so later a fine move involving Cammy Shaw, Dale Milligan and Connor Potts ended with keeper Reece Pollock saving at the feet of Potts just as he was about to pull the trigger. In the 61st minute what would prove to be the winning goal arrived. Substitute Ty O'Neill cut in from the left wing and enjoyed a lucky break of the ball at the edge of the box but there was nothing fortuitous about his his strike as he drilled a fine low right foot drive into Gemmell's bottom right hand corner from some 20 yards. As Star's need grew greater in the match the more things seem to conspire against them as first David Taylor and then Ross Hunter both were forced to leave the field of play with nasty looking injuries. Despite this Star was able to create more chances in the time remaining than they had in the previous 70 or so minutes. Potts had a good chance that was well saved by Pollock and 8 minutes from time the same player saw his shot blocked from close range by a last ditch despairing lunge. Welfare had the chance to seal the tie in the second minute of stoppage time but Jonny Grotlin saw his shot come off the inside of the post and Star's slim hopes remained intact. There was time for one last chance and that came a minute later when Luke McMurtrie's driven cross was met by the flying Jamieson beyond the back post and his header flew back across goal and may well have shaved the crossbar as it agonisingly flew to safety.

So it's back to South of Scotland matters for Star now and it will be a case of patching up the walking wounded with Abbey Vale next up in the quarter final of the League Cup.             

DALBEATTIE STAR 1                                   WHITEHILL WELFARE 2

Hunter (5)                                                    Hutchison (35)

                                                                         O'Neill (61)

                                                                         HT 1-1   Att 144

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, McMurtrie, Jamieson, Bryson, E Gourlay, Taylor (Shaw 59), McConaghie, Williamson, Hunter (Swan 68), Potts, Rogerson (Milligan 27)

Subs not used: G Gourlay, Hutchings, Benson. Devlin

Yellow Cards: Bryson

WHITEHILL WELFARE: Pollock, Austin, Abrahams, Prior, Collins, Renton, Hutchison (Stokes 78), Wilson (Hynd 73), Dawson (Rutherford 78), Grotlin, Walker (O'Neill 46)

Subs not used: Sankey, Dick, Gibson

Yellow Cards: Hutchison

Ref: A Craven

Dalbeattie Star made it four league wins on the spin, though their first at home, thanks to an emphatic win over Nithsdale Wanderers and this was despite having to play for over 40 minutes with ten men after a centre half trialist was shown a straight red card.

Star went into the match with no fewer than seven players unavailable for various reasons. Number one keeper Jake Gemmell was at a family wedding but his signed replacement was forced to call off on the morning of the match due to covid, so a 17 year old goalkeeper was called in as a trialist and what an afternoon he had, turning in a man of the match performance that belied his years.

The home side came out of the traps quickly and inside two minutes Dale Milligan broke clear, squared the ball across the six yard box towards his striking partner Ross Hunter but he was unable to make contact and the chance was gone. A few minutes later and Hunter turned provider when he set up Connor Potts but his thumping drive produced a fine save from keeper Kerr. In the 8th minute though Star took a deserved lead with a fine team goal. The trialist centre back set Luke McMurtrie on his way down the right wing and his near post cross was cleverly headed back by Milligan to Potts who made no mistake this time as he rifled the ball home. Despite their domination there was no way Star would become complacent as they knew the Sanquhar side always carry a threat going forward. Indeed they almost fluked an equaliser in the 13th minute when a free kick was curled into the box and Adam Jamieson's sliced clearance was heading for his own goal but the young keeper pulled off a terrific reflex save. The home side then went straight up the other end and Kyle HIggins saw his sweetly struck 25 yard drive turned for a corner by Kerr. In the 19th minute the visitors had their best chance of the match when a cross from the right found McKenzie unmarked at the back post but after taking a touch he saw his shot saved the legs of Star's keeper who had sprinted across his goal to block. Six minutes later the Islecroft side scored a crucial second, giving them a vital cushion in such an open game. Potts got near to the right touchline, squared the ball towards the front post where Milligan nipped in in front of his marker and shot high past Kerr from a few yards out for a goal he clearly enjoyed and fully deserved. 

There was to be no sitting on a two goal lead for Star and they immediately went looking for a third  and just before the half hour Potts had a chance but his shot was well saved. A few minutes later Kennedy had a chance for Wanderers but he shot high over when he should have at least hit the target. In the 40th minute Star had a great chance for a third but a fine last ditch block saved a certain goal before Higgins blasted over the rebound. With half time fast approaching Star scored the third goal that had class written all over it. Dan Carmichael collected a ball inside his own half and drove deep into the Wanderers half as the defence retreated. With plenty of choices of where to pass, the Star captain and playmaker carried on himself and from over 20 yards decided to go alone and curled in an absolute peach of a goal that the left Kerr rooted to the spot and completely helpless. In first half stoppage time the Lorimer Park side had a desperate appeal for a penalty when a shot from point blank range may have struck Declan Rogerson on his hand, but it was at his side and the referee rightly ignored the indignant pleas.

The second half began with Star looking to remain in control and take any sting out of the match. In the 50th minute though Carmichael was forced to limp off and he was replaced by Sam McConaghie who has performed well whenever he has been called upon this season. In the 56th minute the match took a strange twist when the home side was reduced to ten men giving the visitors a glimmer of hope that had been fast running out. Star's trialist centre back was crudely hauled to the ground by McGill but while on the deck he must have flicked out a kick at an opposing player but judging by their reactions he may may well have committed a much more serious crime. Any way it was enough for the referee to produce a straight red card and it was once again game on. Star immediately brought Ross Hunter back into the centre of defence and the man who took the armband when Carmichael went off, never looked out of place. 

As we know momentum is an important part of any sport so Star knew how important it was to keep the visitors at bay. Having an extra man though they were always going to have a chance or two and with 20 minutes left McKenzie ran through but his shot was saved by the Star's keepers legs. Nithsdale knew if they were to have any chance of getting back into the match then they had to score soon, so when McKenzie dragged a shot across goal and beyond the far post in the 74th minute, what faint hope they had, had all but gone. A minute later former Star player Steven Degnan may well have been shown a straight red for a blatant kick at Kyle Higgins, making no attempt to play the ball, but the referee perhaps felt sorry for the Wanderers and let them keep their numerical advantage. Five minutes from time Star added the icing to the cake with another classy goal. Milligan sent Potts clear and he rounded keeper Kerr with a sublime piece of skill and he calmly slid the ball into the empty net. There was still time for both sides to miss a penalty kick with Hunter being penalised for handball when he was a few feet away from the ball when it was blasted at him. Anyway up stepped McGill who sent the keeper the wrong way but the ball clipped the top of the bar and went over. In stoppage time the home side was awarded a spot kick when Higgins was scythed by a knee high challenge though the guilty party pleaded his innocence by saying he played the ball. Hunter took the kick, sent the keeper the wrong way but clipped the top of the bar and the ball went over. Sound familiar? 

So another good afternoon's work for Star which sets them up nicely for next week when the Scottish Cup adventure begins. It was not surprising to see Kyle Higgins hobbling around after the match with an icepack on his knee, but Star's hopes of progressing will be greatly enhanced if both he and Dan Carmichael recover in time for next weeks big match. But if one or neither make it Eddie Warwick has put together a squad that will be more than capable of progressing past our old rivals Whitehill Welfare next week if we perform to our capabilities.           

DALBEATTIE STAR 4                             NITHSDALE WANDERERS 0

Potts (8, 85)

Milligan (25)

Carmichael (45)                                 

Hunter missed pen (90+2)               Naismith missed pen (89)

                                                                     HT 3-0   Att 208

DALBEATTIE STAR: Trialist, McMurtrie, Jamieson, Higgins (Swan 90+3), Trialist, Taylor, Carmichael (McConaghie 50), Potts, Hunter, Milligan, Rogerson (Shaw 64)

Subs not used: Hutchings, G Gourlay, Devlin

Yellow Cards: McMurtrie, Trialist

Red Cards: Trialist (56)

NITHSDALE WANDERERS: Kerr, Watt, Milne (Bell 72), Brown, Farrow (Harper 70), Naismith, Kennedy (Harper 46), Lang (Adams 72), McKenzie, McGill (McNeil 85), Degnan

Subs not used: McCluskie, Thom

Yellow Cards: Kennedy, McGill, Degnan, Naismith

Ref: A Halliday

Star's poor record in the SFA South Region Challenge Cup continued for another year as they lost out by the odd goal in three to Blackburn United. This was a match that could easily have gone either way but it was the East of Scotland side that received a huge slice of good fortune when scoring the winner and that was enough to separate the sides.

Star lined up with just one change to the side that started against Nithsdale Wanderers with the influential Kyle Higgins missing but this created a place for Sam McConaghie who has performed well this season whenever called upon. The home side almost got off to the perfect start when Dale Milligan's fine effort was turned for a corner by keeper Ashley. In the 11th minute it was Star goalie Jake Gemmell who produced a brilliant save to keep the score line blank. Ross Hunter was next to threaten just before the half hour but he was unable to make a good connection. A couple of minutes later Blackburn took the lead when the ball was played into the area and Campbell knocked the ball home. As half time approached Star turned up the pressure and Connor Potts fired narrowly over. With just seconds left of the first half Star got themselves back on level terms when Declan Rogerson scored for the third match in a row firing home from Hunter's knock down.

Star began the second half brightly and within seconds of the re-start Potts broke clear but was crudely hauled back. Minutes later Milligan had a one on one with keeper Ashley but the United number one did well yet again. In the 55th minute Star stopper Gemmell saved well but a couple of minutes later the goal that would decide the match arrived. The visitors won a corner that was swung into the penalty area where the ball deflected off Star striker Ross Hunter and landed in the back of the net. It was a cruel blow and there was little Hunter could do to avoid it but there was still plenty of time for the South champions to get back into the tie. There was a huge penalty shout in the 62nd minute when Hunter was clattered inside the box but a corner was awarded rather than a spot kick. Star continued to press but the closest they came to an equaliser was with just two minutes left when Russell Williamson rose highest at a corner but was unfortunate to see his header go inches over the bar.

So an early cup exit for Star but still a lot to look forward to in the weeks ahead. Next week we are back on league duty as Nithsdale Wanderers return to Islecroft just ten days or so after being thumped 4-1 in the League Cup.    

DALBEATTIE STAR 1                              BLACKBURN UNITED 2

Rogerson (44)                                       L Campbell (31)

                                                                     Hunter og (57)

                                                                    HT 1-1   Att 75

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson, Jamieson, McConaghie (Shaw 75), Williamson, Taylor, Carmichael, Potts, Hunter, Milligan, Rogerson (Meechan 60)

Subs not used: G Gourlay, McMurtrie, Swan, Hutchings

Yellow Cards: Taylor, Hunter

BLACKBURN UNITED: Ashley, Scooler, McClung, Donaldson, Maguire (Hunter 79), Meikle, L Campbell (Mildren 79), Russell (Kirk 60), D Campbell, Hendry (McDowall 60), Sampson (Johnston 24)

Subs not used: MacDonald, Weldon

Yellow Cards: Donaldson, Maguire, Meikle, McClung, Kirk

Ref: J Duffy

Thanks to Bobby Geddes for the photographs.

Star made it through to the next round of the League Cup after a dominant performance against Nithsdale Wanderers. Indeed but for an outstanding performance from keeper Jamie Kerr, the scoreline could have been a lot worse for the Sanquhar side. Everyone knows what type of match you are likely to get when you face Nithsdale as they are a tough, physical side who certainly let you know you are in a match. However the midfield three of Dan Carmichael, Kyle Higgins and Connor Potts were too quick and too sharp in their passing and movement, that the visitors rarely got near them. We all know Nithsdale possess power and pace up front but the Star defence had by far their best performance of the season and as a result Jake Gemmell had a quiet night in goals. Star’s front three worked so hard pulling the Wanderers defence all over the park, though they would be disappointed at the number of times they were caught offside.

Star began the game brightly and just two minutes in Kerr produced an excellent stop to keep out Potts’ 20 yard drive. Soon after Potts had another chance but his volley from inside the box was blocked by a despairing defenders lunge. In the 17th minute Declan Rogerson’s cross to the back post found Carmichael but Kerr yet again came to his sides rescue. In the 25th minute Star took a deserved lead when a cross field pass found Carmichael and his exquisite volleyed pass across goal found Rogerson six yards out and he made no mistake. Seconds later Star had a great chance when Carmichael’s slide rule pass picked out Cammy Bryson’s run but the full backs fierce shot was well saved by Kerr. Just before the half hour Star doubled their lead which came from a Nithsdale corner. Star broke quickly as Carmichael found Russell Williamson and his superb pass set Rogerson free and he fired low and hard into the bottom corner.

Star continued to press and looked the more likelier side to score again and three minutes from the break a rare miscue from Ross Hunter saw the ball trundle wide when he would normally have burst the net. However Star went into the interval more than content with the score and the performance but well aware that the job was only half done. However after the re-start the home side seemed to lose a bit of their total control of the match though Wanderers posed little or no threat to the Star goal. Just before the hour Rogerson broke clear but his shot was saved by Kerr and the rebound fell to Potts but again Kerr came to his sides rescue. From the corner there was an almighty scrambled in the six yard box before the ball was laid back to Dale Milligan who scored with a screamer that flew high into the net. If we thought we could relax and enjoy the last hour or so we would be disappointed as Nithsdale scored with almost their first serious attempt on goal. An inswinging free kick was whipped in from the right wing and Sean McKenzie met it with a glancing header that sneaked in at the back post. The visitors had handed themselves a lifeline but any chance of a comeback was soon gone. A minute after scoring McKenzie was lucky not to receive a straight red for a shocking straight legged, studs showing challenge on Williamson. The elegant defender was lucky he was able to hobble off the park and not leave on a stretcher. Four minutes late McKenzie did get his second yellow and subsequent red when jumping into David Taylor whilst making no attempt to play the ball. The striker could have little complaints about getting his marching orders. Now having a man extra, it was now a question of how many for Star and on a number of occasions they broke clear with just Kerr to beat but each time the keeper somehow kept the ball out. That was until the second minute of stoppage time when Olly Meechan put Cammy Shaw clear and he passed the ball through the legs of the keeper to score his first goal of the season.

Star remain in cup action this weekend as Blackburn United visit Islecroft in the SFA South Region Challenge Cup. Our record in this competition has not been good over the past few seasons as we have tended to change our starting line up for it after a hectic start to the league campaign. So it will be interesting to see what kind of team manager Eddie Warwick picks on Saturday but hopefully whoever he selects will be able to do the business.

DALBEATTIE STAR 4                       NITHSDALE WANDERERS 1

Rogerson (25, 29)                         McKenzie (62)

Milligan (60)

Shaw (90+2)                                   HT 2-0   Att. 125

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson, Jamieson, Higgins, Williamson (E Gourlay 65), Taylor, Carmichael, Potts, Hunter (Shaw 76), Milligan (Meechan 76), Rogerson (Swan 82)

Subs not used: G Gourlay, Benson, Hutchings

Yellow Card: Shaw

NITHSDALE WANDERERS: Kerr, Watt, McCluskie (Thom 61), Bell, Farrow, Kennedy, Harper, Lang (McNeil 37), McKenzie, Adams, McGill

Subs not used: Degnan, French, West

Yellow Cards: Farrow, McKenzie

Red Cards: McKenzie (67)

Ref: J Brown

Unfortunately we do not have a complete account of Star's results over the clubs history but this could well be a record score for the club, certainly in the South League. Star produced a ruthless display to inflict a heavy defeat on a very youthful Wigtown side. (This is a record score beating the previous best of 14-2 v Newton Stewart).

Within six minutes Star were two up through goals from Ross Hunter and Dan Carmichael. After 18 minutes Rogerson made it three following a good interchange between Cammy Bryson and Hunter. Prior to half time further goals from Carmichael, Hunter (2), Rogerson and Jamieson make it eight without reply at the break.

In the 51st minute Dale Milligan got on the score sheet when he netted a fine cross from Carmichael and six minutes later Hunter headed home a Connor Potts corner. Further goals from Carmichael Milligan (2) and Carmichael (2) took Star's tally to 14, including three hat tricks.

In the closing minutes Wigtown grabbed a late consolation and their first goal of the season when their centre forward scored with a shot just inside the box with the Star defence appealing for a foul  on their centre back.

This result completes a successful week for the club with three away wins in a row and we now face four consecutive home matches at Islecroft. First up is a visit from Nithsdale Wanderers in the League Cup and that promises to be a cracking cup tie. 

WIGTOWN & BLADNOCH 1                DALBEATTIE STAR 14

(88)                                                            Hunter (3, 36, 42, 57)

                                                                     Carmichael (6, 18, 20, 81, 84)

                                                                     Rogerson (30)

                                                                     Jamieson (34)

                                                                     Milligan (51, 73, 75)

                                                                     HT 0-8:

WIGTOWN & BLADNOCH: Murdoch, Robertson, Woods, McCulloch, Ma Henderson, Mu Henderson, Kennedy, Cluckie, McDowall, Lowrie, Hughes

Subs: MacDonald, McIntyreNish, Moore, McGurk, Dewar, Hoskins

Yellow Cards:

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson (Swan 57), Jamieson (Meechan 46), Higgins (McConaghie 62), Williamson (Hutchings 46), Taylor, Carmichael, Potts, Hunter (Shaw 57), Milligan, Rogerson

Subs not used: G Gourlay, Benson

Yellow Cards:

Ref

Star made the midweek trip to Lockerbie and returned with the points after a hard earned win over Mid Annandale. Star manager Eddie Warwick said pre-match he expected a tough match and he was not disappointed as his side had to battle all the way before their quality shone through. The home side went into this match having lost their first three games of the season but if they keep up this level of performance in the coming weeks then the points will surely come.

After Saturdays impressive win at Creetown at the weekend it was not surprising that Star went with the same starting XI. The home side were right up for the match and gave the visitors no time to settle in the early exchanges. There were a couple of half chances for Star before Mids opened the scoring in the 19th minute. A free kick was floated into the penalty area that was head flicked backwards to Dean Smith who found some space and time to take a touch and fire his shot across Jake Gemmell and just inside the far post. This was the ideal start for the Lockerbie side but Star's response was good. Connor Potts had an effort that was turned round for a corner from which Ross Hunter saw his powerful near post header produce a stunning save from the home keeper. Seconds later the goalie then made a fine stop with his right foot to keep out Potts' shot but from the resultant corner Star levelled. Potts was the provider and his cross found Russell Williamson at the back post and he rose highest to score with a superb header giving the keeper and the defenders on the line no chance. After a tough opening 20 minutes or so Star were beginning to find their range and soon after Sam McConaghie saw his curling effort from 20 yards go inches wide after excellent build up play involving Potts and Kyle Higgins. A minute later though Star went ahead and it McConaghie who netted with his first ever goal for his hometown club. Another good move ended with Cammy Bryson picking out the midfielders run and his first time volley was blocked by the Mids keeper but Sam reacted well and volleyed the rebound home with some aplomb. A minute later it looked like Star had put some daylight between them and Mids when Declan Rogerson broke clear down the left and beat the keeper with the cleverest of finishes. However a very late whistle for offside cut short his celebrations and the score remained 2-1. The home side were certainly competitive but the chances were mainly falling at one end. Before the interval Dan Carmichael put Hunter through but again the keeper rushed out and saved well and just before half time Carmichael was denied by the keeper from a tight angle.

Just before the hour Star scored the third that gave them some breathing space when Rogerson played the ball back to Potts inside the box and he took a good touch on his chest before passing the ball into the back of the net. The home side continued to give everything but Star had the game under control and the points were certainly made safe in the 79th minute when Williamson set Dale Milligan free down the left and he ran on, cut inside onto his right foot and curled the ball past the keeper and inside the far post. In the first minute of stoppage time Hunter seemed sure to get his name on the scoresheet with an excellent shot but the home goalie pulled off another terrific safe. With the final whistle just seconds away Star lost possession deep in the Mids half and as the home side broke at speed who was the Star player that sprinted at least 70 yards to get back and help clear the danger even though the points were safe? None other than Dan Carmichael. I know we tend to wax lyrical about Dan in these reports but here he was setting a brilliant example to his younger team mates showing you can have all the talent in the world but you also need the determination and a top class attitude to succeed in this game.

Next up is another away day as we travel to face Wigtown & Bladnoch on league trip looking to make it three wins on the spin.

MID ANNANDALE 1                            DALBEATTIE STAR 4

Smith (19)                                           Williamson (28)

                                       McConaghie (33)

                                       Potts (57)

                                       Milligan (79)

                                                                 HT 1-2   Att 110

MID ANNANDALE:

Subs not used:

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson (E Gourlay 80), Jamieson, McConaghie (Meechan 58), Williamson, Taylor, Carmichael, Higgins (Benson 80), Hunter, Rogerson (Milligan 58), Potts (Shaw 68)

Subs: Swan, Hutchings

Ref:                                

At the third time of asking Star earned their first league win of the season after an astonishing 90 minutes at Castle Cary Park. If you had the choice, Creetown would have been one of the last places you would have picked to try and stop the rot, but the players did it in grand style. It wasn't just the fact they scored seven goals but also that Creetown keeper Martin McCaulay had an excellent match and but for him it could have been a whole lot more.

With the return of David Taylor in central defence, the Star line up had a more familiar look about it as this allowed Ross Hunter to move up to his usual centre forward role and the striker certainly relished this. In fact he gave the home defence a torrid time and was unplayable for long spells in the match and this coupled with the return of form for the vast majority of the team and Creetown must have wondered what they had done to deserve it. The last time the two sides met here was for the league decider at the end of last season but this time both sides were incredibly still looking for their first league win though both had key players returning after missing the opening pair of games.

Both sides looked in the mood straight from the off on a perfect afternoon for football. As early as the second minute Dean Fyfe forced Star keeper Jake Gemmell into a good save and soon after Ross Hunter seemed sure to round McCaulay but the keeper somehow got back to grab the ball when Hunter looked certain to score. A minute later though Star opened the scoring when a driven cross from the right was poorly cleared straight to Connor Potts who somehow from a few yards out saw his shot come back off the bar but the rebound fell nicely for Hunter who volleyed home from two yards out. It was the prefect start for the visitors but they were given a warning just seconds later that Creetown would not lie down to them when a trialist, who also had an outstanding match, fired a superb effort from outside the area that came back off the crossbar. Two minutes later though the home side did equalise when former Star favourites Lewis Dunn and Dean Fyfe combined well down the right and the cross found the aforementioned trialist who saw his first effort well saved by Gemmell but the nippy winger was first to react and he smacked the rebound low into the net. Star's response was good and their own trialist saw his half volley from 20 yards tipped round for a corner by McCaulay. In the 20th minute Star thought they had regained the lead when Taylors header from a corner was flicked into the net by the head of Declan Rogerson but our other trialist was just too eager and he volleyed the ball in from an offside position even though the ball was going in anyway. Five minutes later Connor Potts had his first sighting on goal but his shot across the keeper was booted clear by Kerr Lyon. The Islecroft side was beginning to control the match with the midfield well on top and the attack always looking dangerous. Despite not having the ball as much themselves Creetown were always a threat in the final third especially with the pace of the trialist. In the 25th minute Star's corner blues nearly came back to haunt them when Fyfe whipped in a great delivery that somehow missed everyone and thankfully went out for a goalkick at the far side. A minute later the home side certainly dodged a bullet when following an almighty scramble from a corner, Taylor saw his goalbound shot brilliantly saved by the outstretched arms of Josh Rennie but the only problem being Rennie is a centre forward and not a goalkeeper. Luckily for the big striker this happened on the blindside of both the assistant and the referee and play raged on. Just after the half hour McCaulay again came to home sides rescue when he produced a fine stop from Hunter's drive following a flick on from Rogerson. If Star still felt a bit hard done by not getting a penalty then their mood was not helped in the 34th minute when Creetown took the lead on the break when their trialist poked the ball past Gemmell. Within four minutes though Star were back on level terms when defender Robbie Adair went to ground and tripped Rogerson for a clear penalty award. Despite missing from 12 yards last week Hunter stepped up again and gave McCaulay no chance despite the keeper going the right way. With almost the last kick of the half Dunn tested Gemmell from distance but the keeper tipped the ball over the top.

After a thoroughly entertaining first forty five minutes few would have thought it would get any better in the second period, but from a Dalbeattie perspective it certainly did. In the 47th minute Hunter controlled a long ball and from some 30 yards tried a superb lob that had McCaulay scrambling across his goal but the ball went inches wide. Star were beginning to turn the screw and in the 54th minute went 3-2 up when a diagonal ball picked out Adam Jamieson's run from deep and his driven cross was turned home well by Dan Carmichael on an awkward surface. Like so many of his team mates Carmichael had had a fine match and he certainly enjoyed his afternoons work as he was instrumental in most of Star's good play. Just after the hour Star got themselves a deserved two goal advantage when Hunter chested a chipped ball down to Potts and his excellent strike from some 20 yards flew just inside the far post. After going 4-2 down Star perhaps became guilty of taking their foot of the gas a little but that was maybe down to the home side stepping up a gear in a bid to get back into the match. For all that Star looked comfortable in defence and McCaulay was still very much the busier keeper. However with just over ten minutes remaining Creetown gave themselves a lifeline when they Josh Rennie bundled the ball home and suddenly it was game on yet again. Within seconds though Star restored their two goal advantage and it was all but game over. A long diagonal ball was misjudged by Adair and Hunter superbly controlled the ball on his chest and smashed a superb first time shot past the helpless McCaulay. There was still time for the visitors to score another two before the final whistle went. In the 87th minute Carmichael was clearly tripped by Adair which resulted in a spot kick for Star and a red card for the Creetown defender. With Hunter now off it was Carmichael who grabbed the ball and send McCaulay the wrong way. Finally in stoppage time a horrendous pass across his own goal by the substitute trialist landed straight at the feet of Potts and he almost apologetically put the ball in the back of the net to complete the home sides misery. 

So an extraordinary afternoon for Star and this was much more like the side that won the league title last season. Next up is a midweek trip to Mid Annandale where we will be looking to carry on with this kind of form.

CREETOWN 3                                       DALBEATTIE STAR 7

Trialist (10, 34)                                   Hunter (6, 38pen, 80)

Rennie (79)                                          Carmichael (54, 87pen)

                                                                 Potts (61, 90+1)

                                                                 HT 2-2   Att 47

CREETOWN: McCaulay, Rogers, Murray, Adair, Lyon, Lowe, Trialist (Kawanza 46), Dunn, Rennie, Fyfe (Trialist 59), Trialist

Subs: Downie

Yellow Cards: Adair, Dunn, Rogers

Red Card: Adair (87)

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, Bryson (Benson 76), Jamieson, McConaghie (Shaw 76), Williamson, Taylor, Carmichael, Higgins, Hunter (Hutchings 84), Rogerson (Milligan 50), Potts

Subs not used: G Gourlay, Swan, Minto

Ref: M Williamson                                  

For the second time in a few months Abbey Vale left Islecroft with all three points which means after just two matches Star has dropped as many points at home this season as they did for the whole of the last. The visitors produced an excellent defensive performance to frustrate the champions and the winning goal from Braden Bruce just before the interval was worthy of winning any match.

Star lined up with just one change to the starting line up against Newton Stewart with the trialist who scored the last minute equaliser coming in and Declan Rogerson dropping to the bench. Star began brightly enough but were denied on a number of occasions by some incredible last ditch defending with Russell Williamson, Dale Milligan and a trialist all being stopped when just about to pull the trigger. The best chance of the half came in the 37th minute when a fine move ended with Milligan feeding Dan Carmichael who found some space in the box. For once though the midfield maestro got it wrong as he opened his body to curl it past Taylor Hall but ended up firing the ball high, wind and not so handsome. You felt a goal had to come and it duly arrived a minute before the break but unfortunately for the home side it came at the wrong end. Star lost possession in their own third and the ball was fed to Braden Bruce who took a touch before firing a superb 25 yard effort that flew high past Jake Gemmell giving the keeper no chance at all.

This was a setback for Star and was a huge boost for Vale who now had something to hang on to. Star make a switch with Ross Hunter pushing forward and Russell Williamson dropping back into defence for the start of the second half.  After the re-start Vale defended deeply depriving Star of any room in which to play and the home side was unable to produce any sustained periods of pressure and build up any kind of momentum. There were just a couple of occasions where the ball was fizzed across the six yard box but there were no takers. The one time the Maryfield side perhaps had a rub of the green was with 15 minutes left when Hall parried away a rasping Milligan drive but with Hunter and Connor Potts moving in for the rebound  the ball fell agonisingly between the attackers and was eventually cleared to safety. They say you earn your luck in this game so perhaps they deserved that break for the way the defended so well throughout the match. Star huffed and puffed right to the end but there would be no last minute heroics in this match to rescue a point.

So a hugely disappointing night in front of a very good crowd at the Croft. You couldn't fault the players for effort but it was most certainly a case of lots of perspiration and little inspiration. Star's tough start to the season doesn't get any easier as next up we travel to face Creetown but where better to get back to winning ways than picking up three points at Castle Cary Park. 

DALBEATTIE STAR 0                         ABBEY VALE 1

                                                                B Bruce (44)

                                                                HT 0-1   Att 215

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, McMurtrie, Jamieson, Williamson (Shaw 87), Bryson, Hunter, Carmichael, Higgins (Meechan 76), McKenzie (Rogerson 64), Milligan, Potts (McConaghie 76)

Subs not used: Benson, G Gourlay, Swan, Minto

Yellow Cards: Potts

ABBEY VALE: Hall, Hayes, McKenna, Kirk, Notman, Corbett, McVinnie (Kerr 89), B Bruce (Brown 78), Hughes, Jess, D Bruce (Roper 76)

Subs not used: Wilson

Ref: B Templeton

Star kicked off the new season with a draw against Newton Stewart thanks to a last minute equaliser which made it feel more like a point gained than two points lost. However over the 90 minutes a draw was perhaps just about right. The home side certainly had more of the ball in the match but lacked their usual quality in the final third whilst the visitors took full advantage of some slack defending from corner kicks, that looked for a long time would help them to victory.

The Islecroft side lined up without any of their recognised centre backs which meant Ross Hunter and a trialist being paired together and both did well. After a shocking summer weather wise, both sides were maybe taken aback somewhat by the warm sunny conditions and it was a cagey start with few chances of note. Indeed the home side opened the scoring with the first real effort when another trialist laid the ball back to Dan Carmichael just inside the box and his shot went through a ruck of players past an unsighted Euan Drysdale in the Newton goal. The visitors did appeal for offside but the one player who may have been off was nowhere near being in the keepers eyeline. It was just the start Star would have been looking for and just a couple of minutes later they had a great chance to double the lead when they were awarded a penalty kick when Dale Milligan was clipped inside the box. Up stepped Hunter and though his effort was well struck it was at a good height for the keeper and former Star stopper Drysdale made a fine stop. This gave the Creesiders a huge boost and immediately broke down the left wing. There was more than a suspicion of offside as they broke but when the ball was squared to Robert Middleton on his own in the centre, he uncharacteristically miscued but was able to gather the loose ball but was then denied by a superb block from Hunter. However the reprieve was short lived as from the resultant corner the low ball was completely missed by a number of players and landed perfectly for Marc Whyte who netted with a tidy finish.

On the half hour Star restored their lead when Adam Jamieson whipped in a fine corner to the back post that was missed by Drysdale though he looked as if he was impeded by two of his own defenders and the ball nestled in the back of the net. This settled the home side without ever totally dominating and Newton always carried a threat whenever their own trialist found space to hurt Star. Just when it looked like the home side would go into the break 2-1 up they gave away another poor, almost identical goal from a corner, this time from the other wing. Again Whyte was the player that took full advantage with a cool finish.

If this stunned Star then four minutes after the re-start they were shocked when the visitors went ahead for the first time. Centre back Zac Service went down inside the box under a challenge from Carmichael and from the resultant spot kick Newton's trialist beat debutant Jake Gemmell with a Panenka style effort. Star's response was good and within a couple of minutes had a great chance to level when their trialist striker latched on to a ball over the top but his lob over Drysdale landed on top of the net and not under the bar. As Star pushed more and more players forward in a bid to grab an equaliser there was always the chance they would get caught on the break. On the hour Newton broke with a numerical advantage but were denied by a superb save from Gemmell, which would become even more important later in the match. Star continued to press but the final ball was just not there and the Creesiders defence was coping fairly comfortably. Substitute Cammy Shaw had a well struck overhead kick well saved by Drysdale with 15 minutes left and minutes later Matthew Deazley could have sealed the points but at full stretch he could only knock the ball wide from in front of goal.

As the clock ticked down Star continued to push forward and Olly Meechan was inches away from converting Connor Potts' driven cross. Just when it looked like time was about to run out, Star grabbed a dramatic leveller in the very last minute when Shaw flicked on a cross from the left and the ball fell perfectly for another Star trialist who had come on as a substitute, and he headed the ball past Drysdale to the huge relief of everyone in red and black.

So we take the point and move on to to Tuesday night as Abbey Vale visit Islecroft. There's every chance both Star and Newton will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season so who knows how important that point will be then     

DALBEATTIE STAR 3                         NEWTON STEWART 3

Carmichael (14)                              Whyte (19, 45+1)

Jamieson 30)                                    Trialist (49pen)

Trialist (90)                                        HT 2-2   Att 157

Hunter missed pen (16)

DALBEATTIE STAR: Gemmell, McMurtrie, Jamieson, Williamson (Meechan 63), Bryson (Shaw 72), Hunter, Potts, Carmichael, McKenzie, Milligan, Rogerson (Higgins 63)

Subs: Benson, G Gourlay, Hutchings, Minto

Yellow Cards: Williamson, Hunter, Milligan

NEWTON STEWART: E Drysdale, McKeand (Anderson 46), Brown (Ellis 63), MacDonald, Service, Thomson, A Drysdale (McCulloch 63), Whyte, Middleton (Deazley 46), Trialist (Hughan 88), Marshall

Subs: Hilferty, McClymont

Yellow Cards: Ellis, MacDonald

Ref: A Halliday

13 July 2024 - Star's pre-season continued with a behind closed doors match against St Cuthbert Wanderers at Islecroft after our scheduled game against Gretna FC 2008 had to be cancelled late on. Star ran out 3-0 winners with goals from Ewan Gourlay and Connor Potts (2).

16 July 2024 - We then made the journey up to Coatbridge to face Lowland League side Albion Rovers. A quickfire double from Ross Hunter had us 2-0 inside 15 minutes though Rovers pulled one back before the break. Just seconds after the re-start Jake Gemmell saved a penalty to keep us ahead but minutes later the home side did equalise. A brilliant free kick from Adam Jamieson put Star ahead in the 83rd minute but with just two minutes left Rovers made it 3-3 with a superb free kick of their own.

20 July 2024 - Star and Saints meet again behind closed doors and we run out 6-0 winners with goals from Milligan (2), Trialist, Potts, Rogerson and Williamson.

23 July 2024 - Star finish off their pre-season matches with a trip to Cumnock Juniors and are beaten 5-0 at Townhead Park.

Dalbeattie Star kicked off their pre-season with a 2-1 win over Palmerston Colts thanks to goals in each half from Ross Hunter and Stewart Benson.

Thanks to Bobby Geddes for the photos.