Dalbeattie Star v Whitley Bay

STAR LOSE BUT PROMISE MUCHStar's first home match of the 2015/16 season and first one at home for new boss Darren Kerr, may have ended in defeat, but there was much for the new management team and support to take from the match. Star dominated the opening 45 minutes against a physically stronger side but the home sides passing and movement kept the visitors on the back foot. It has to be said Whitley's back four defended superbly to keep Star at bay and the only clear cut chance Star had fell to Tommy Muir in the 15th minute but the visiting keeper made an excellent save. Bay came more into the match in the second period and Euan Drysdale, who had come on as a substitute at the interval, mad a good double save midway through the second period. The only goal came in the 74th minute when Bay striker Chris Goss hit an unstoppable first time shot from over 20 yards that flew high into the net. Star may have been disappointed at the end to lose the match but these types of matches are more about getting the fitness levels up and helping the players gel, and from that point of view it was a more than worthwhile exercise. All the new boys showed up well and will get even better with each match. The more familiar faces looked refreshed and enthusiastic after the short summer break and it is heartening to think the experience of Messrs Maxwell, Steele, Wells and Bell are due to return.Next up is the Glenafton tournament in a fortnight though there may be an away trip before that, so keep an eye on the website for further news.DALBEATTIE STAR 0    WHITLEY BAY 1                                   Goss (74)DALBEATTIE STAR: Martin (Drysdale 46),Wilson, Dunn, Anderson, Neill (Trialist 59), Todd, Fergusson, McHarrie, Muir, Sloan, Trialist (Trialist 58)Subs not used: Trialist, Trialist, Drysdale, KerrReferee F CurrieAssistants: R Williamson & E Walker