Ferniside AFC 6 Star 1

Chris
Robbo, Chiefy, Mike, Peas
Cleishy, Neil, Stevie, Craig
Paul, Sean

Stewart
Pistol
Dingo

Star started this match at Peffermill with an energy which had Fernie on the back foot for spells and it was only unfortunate circumstances which contrived to condemn them to their biggest league defeat for 5 years.
Building from the back, Star competed for everything but a goal following a free header after 6 minutes from the excellent Fernie number 8 was a huge set-back.
But they equalised after Craig flicked on a loose ball which Macca did not give up and he bravely challenged the 'keeper to nod the ball over the line.
This goal galvanised the Star as Cleishy, Stevie, Neil and Craig matched the 5 man Fernie midfield with Robbo starting attacks and Peas, Mikey and Chiefy working hard to contain the lively forwards. Sean looked up for it and Macca was his usual pesky self as no-one gave up a lost cause all night.
But a soft goal was conceded by the Star and this was closely followed by Robbo pulling up with a tweaked hammy. His place was taken by Pistol as the Star reverted to a 3-5-2. Another goal before half time was cheaply given away but it was not a dejected Star who trooped off after 45 as this group are particularly resilient.
Sean changed places with Craig as the Star faced another hard 45 minutes and, it has to be said they did not deserve to lose another 3 goals before the end if effort is linked to success, but it's not.
Some good movement by the Fernie side (Fernie-Side - get it?) was apparent throughout this match and as the game raged on gaps appeared in both defensive rearguards but the big homesters had the goal in the bag.
Stevie and Cleishy were tackling like demons in the midfield, Peter put an excellent ball through for Craig which came to nothing, and then took a knock on the temple which caused him to play no further part in the game.
Stewart replaced him up front but settled back to centre mid and although Star did have a few breakaways it was not their night as the game was lost by now and it was a weary Star who shuffled back to the dressing rooms as the twilight descended.
Star have played much worse and won, but Fernie are as good a side as we've met this season - including Bo'ness and Newcraighall. If the Star play like that on Friday they will win the Challenge cup for sure (Souness).
A chance for revenge will be there a week on Wednesday as Star take Fernieside on at Riccy.