Dalbeattie Star gaffer hails "outstanding players" after Newton Stewart win

Dalbeattie Star gaffer Eddie Warwick hailed his “outstanding” players after making it through to their fourth semi-final of the season.

And the Islecroft side had to do things the hard way against Tweedie Cup holders Newton Stewart, recovering from having keeper Konar Pietsch sent off and going a goal down to triumph 2-1.

Warwick said: “They were absolutely outstanding against a team that has very rarely lost at home.

“We had a sending off after 20 minutes ad then went a goal down, which was nothing to do with the goalkeeper.

“At half-time I told them to stay calm – we were the better team with 11 men and were still the better team with 10 men.

“With the fire power and strikeforce we’ve got, we can score on any given day.

“The goal we scored was absolutely excellent and we then got a second one.

“They finished the game with four or five strikers on the park – we surrendered the width and defended the crosses but we were very brave and still went two up front. We didn’t start panicking, we kept the same shape and remained attacking throughout.

“We’ve won 10 games in a row and are now in four semi-finals. I’m absolutely delighted.”

The game had been due to be played in Dalbeattie but was switched to Newton Stewart due to fears over the Islecroft pitch.

And Star must have been wondering if it was the right move when Pietsch was sent off after 20 minutes for clattering Aaron Drysdale, Robbie Minto taking his place between the sticks. Robert Middleton then headed Newton into the lead just before the break. But despite being a man down, Star fought back and Ross Hunter equalised early in the second half – then slammed home a penalty to send Star through.

Warwick said: “The boys showed, to a man,