Dalbeattie Star see off Mid Annandale in game of two halves

Dalbeattie Star triumphed over Mid Annandale in a game of two halves.

The Islecroft side raced into a 3-0 lead by the interval in the Cree Lodge Cup clash, eventually winning 3-1.

Boss Eddie Warwick said: “It was a game of two halves.

“Our first half was excellent and we could have added a couple before half-time. It was up there with one of our best 45s so far this season – our football, build-up and goals were exceptional.

“In the second half we were not as fluent. We made the full allocation of substitutions.

“It’s important game time for everyone but it does upset and disrupt the flow and delays the game. Mids replied with a penalty but there were not a lot of other clear cut chances.”

Dale Milligan gave Star the lead after just a few minutes, Ross Hunter getting their second midway through the first half.

Hunter got his second less than 10 minutes before the break to ensure a comfortable second half, despite the visitors scoring a penalty after an hour.

Star head to Dumfries to face Queen of the South in the Potts Cup this weekend. And they’re likely to come up against Palmerston kids Niall Rogerson and Charlie Watson – who are on loan at Islecroft.

Warwick said: “It will be very difficult.

“ I spent many years there competing in these competitions with the under-18s and reserve team players and we were fortunate enough to go through the rounds and deep into the competitions.

“I’m fully aware the current crop of under-18s and reserve players are well capable of doing this again in the Potts and Challenge Cups so we absolutely need to be at our best on Saturday to have any hope of a positive outcome.

“It’s maybe nice for once going into a game as the underdogs with all the pressure off,