Dalbeattie Star v Nithsdale Wanderers

STAR WRAP UP SEASON IN STYLE
Dalbeattie Star lifted the premier cup competition in the South of Scotland despite trailing at half time to a spirited Nithsdale side, but a tremendous second half performance saw them come back to win the match in some style. It was also a fitting end to a number of Star careers with Rab Harkness leading the way as he ended 15 years at Islecroft with a masterful performance and a classy goal, which he is probably still smiling about even now. Also saying farewell for definite is Gary Kerr who despite not playing in this match, has been a tremendous player over the years for the Star, but he will be back next season in his capacity as manager of Crichton. Player/manager John MacBeth also steps down after a hectic couple of days for him personally, as he became a Dad for the first time the day before the match, but it is hoped he will continue as a player once his new work arrangements are known. There may also be some more departures as the new squad begins to take shape over the summer so to any player who leaves before next season we thank you for all your efforts and wish you all the best in the future.
It’s been a long hard season for everyone involved with the Star and no one can remember a season ending as late as 29th May before. If it’s been tiring for those off the park imagine how the players must have felt as the approached their 15th match in just over a month. However if there was any sign of fatigue they hid it well with a desire and hunger to win that is matched by few. Star started brightly and Lewis Sloan played in Hugh Cameron but his effort was well saved by Grozier but in the 15th minute the keeper was left helpless when he was beaten by a goal of pure quality. A slick passing move down the right involving Sloan, Cameron and Ritchie Maxwell ended with the full back squaring the ball across the six yard line for Scott Milligan to flick home. If anyone expected it be a formality after that they were in for a shock when within two minutes Nithsdale struck twice to take the lead. Firstly Stuart MacPherson made an uncharacteristic mistake that allowed former Star player David Kennedy the chance to score with a fierce drive and seconds later more poor defending resulted in Lori Johnson scoring with a shot that trundled past Ally Cathro.
This was just the lift Nithsdale needed and they were pinned in to their own half for the remainder of the period, but some resolute defending led by Martin Bell, saw them reach the interval with their lead intact. As poor as Star had played they still created chances in the opening 45 with Sloan hitting the crossbar and Grant Parker, Rab Harkness and Cameron all having opportunities to level. A few choice words were spoken during the break and the champions came out for the second half with all guns blazing. John MacBeth came on for Ritchie Maxwell who was still suffering from a head knock, as the Star set about looking for a leveller. Five minutes in and Parker’s shot was parried by Grozier but the ball fell the feet of Houston who cleared and Milligan’s back post header was inches away from Craig Fergusson. Just when you began to wonder whether this would be one of those nights the equaliser came and it was well worth the wait. Fergusson was tripped 22 yards from goal and Sloan curled in a beauty right in to the top corner that Grozier could only watch at it flew by him.
Star immediately set about regaining the lead and in the 65th minute Nithsdales long resistance was finally broken for good. MacBeth went on a great run down the right and his cross was volleyed home by Milligan though Grozier very nearly kept it out. The idea of running down the clock and settling for 3-2 never occurred to anyone in a red and black jersey and the effort the players put in for the last half hour or so, you would have thought it was the first match of the season and not the 47th. Fifteen minutes from time came Rab Harkness’ magic moment when he converted Fergusson’s pass with a first time side footed shot from the edge of the box that left the keeper helpless. Substitute Grant Middlemiss took advantage of a defensive slip to round the keeper and score from an acute angle and three minutes from time he scored again converting a Cameron cross.
Understandably it was all smiles at the end as yet another memorable season came to a close in great fashion as Stuart MacPherson and Rab Harkness collected the trophy on behalf of their team mates. Afterwards John MacBeth was quick to praise everyone involved behind the scenes with the club as well as his backroom staff and players and that is the secret of the Star’s success these last two years – teamwork. Everyone has a part to play and everyone plays their part and that along with a lot of hard work brings success and trophies to the club.
Before we know it the new season, with a new management team in place, will be upon us and it will be back to square one. The club is currently going through a period in their history that will be remembered for years to come and long may it continue.          
DALBEATTIE STAR 6         NITHSDALE WANDERERS 2Milligan (13, 65)               Kennedy (14)Sloan (53)                        Johnson (15)Harkness (75)Middlemiss (82, 87)DALBEATTIE STAR: Cathro, R Maxwell (MacBeth 46), Wilson, Wells, MacPherson, Fergusson (McMurdo 85), Harkness, G Parker (Middlemiss 62), Milligan, SloanSubs not used: Dingwall, A MaxwellYellow Cards: NoneNITHSDALE WANDERERS: Grozier, Schneider (Kilpatrick 80), Houston, M Bell, Currie, Bennie, I Bell, Paterson, Irving (Simpson 72), Kennedy (Jamieson 87), JohnsonSubs not used: ThomsonYellow Cards: Bennie, Irving, KennedyRef L WilsonAssistants D McGuffie & T Davies