Dalbeattie Star return to winning ways and end Newton Stewart's perfect start

Dalbeattie Star returned to winning ways and ended Newton Stewart’s perfect start to the season in the process.

Eddie Warwick’s side had lost their previous two games, despite taking early leads in both.

However, they made no mistake at Islecroft on Saturday as they ran out 3-0 winners against a team that had won their opening five Utility Hut South of Scotland League fixtures.

Warwick said: “It was a good performance, we controlled the game and were never really in any danger.

“They were unbeaten and I think they’d scored a lot of goals while barely conceding any. We reduced them to a half chance in the whole game.

“To reduce them to very little and nullify their goal threat was very pleasing.

“They had a wee spell for 15 minutes in the first half when they knocked the ball around and played some good football without any real danger or end product towards our goal.

“Apart from that we played some good football and scored some good goals – I’d say we were back to normal.

“It can be difficult for a referee at Islecroft as it’s a huge surface but he dealt with everything really well and had a good game.”

Dale Milligan gave Star the lead inside quarter of an hour and the home side doubled their lead with a tremendous lob from Ross Hunter after an hour.

The forward went close to getting his second 15 minutes from time but his effort was saved, Greg Taylor netting the rebound to seal victory.

Ahead of the game, Star had brought in Queen of the South youngsters Charlie Watson and Niall Rogerson on loan, with the latter starting in defence.

Warwick said: “They’re in on loan and hopefully they’ll continue their development with us.

“At the moment there’s nothing else in the pipeline but there will be