A “blistering” first half display gave Dalbeattie Star all three points against Lochmaben on Saturday. Dale Milligan hit a hat-trick with Declan Rogerson and Ross Hunter also on target as Star led 6-1 at the break, which also proved to be the final score.
Boss Eddie Warwick said: “Saturday was a very good result and the most pleasing thing was our blistering performance in the first half. “We were 4-0 up in 25 minutes and 6-1 up at half-time. “Some of our play, the first three goals, was just ridiculous to see at our level – you’ve just got to stand back and admire it. “I felt we played some very good stuff in our attacking and, most importantly, we were clinical in front of goal and continued to create chances throughout the entire game. “I also think we may arguably have seen the goal of the season from Ross Hunter with his incredible finish from 30 to 35 yards over the goalkeeper into the top corner. “This is not the first time this season he has scored this sort of goal. “In the second half we played some nice football and made the maximum five changes early on to get plenty of game minutes in everyone’s legs as well as more good opportunities to extend the scoreline.” It was Rogerson who opened the scoring in six minutes, Milligan making it 2-0 soon after.
And the game was as good as over after less than quarter of an hour when Rogerson got his second and Star’s third. Milligan made it 4-0 midway the half, goalie Robbie Minto then saved a penalty as half-time approached.
And there was still time left for more drama before the interval, Milligan getting his hat-trick before Dylan Crawford scored for the visitors only for Ross Hunter to make it 6-1 in spectacular style.