Red Star step up in league and cup action

This was looking much better for Red Star and it wasn’t long before they equalised and it was Woody Hoad who was on hand to fire an excellent free kick over the wall and into the bottom corner. 

The game was now end to end with chances falling to both sides and totally against the run of play, Greenock were awarded a penalty after the tricky number nine ran across Hoad with minimal contact but enough to award a penalty.

Up stepped the Greenock forward and he was thwarted by Murphy, who produced a fantastic save to keep the sides level.

The save gave Red Star a bit more confidence and they were to take the lead shortly afterwards, when Ruaridh Green was sent clean through on goal by Zach Campbell, one touch to control the ball and another to roll the ball under the advancing Greenock keeper.

The second half started like the first with Greenock taking a grip of the game and they were creating lots of chances but were thwarted by an inspired Leon Murphy in goal.

Greenock were to eventually level the score  after the away side lost the ball in the middle of the park and Greenock’s midfielder drove forward unchallenged and fired a shot from fully 25 yards straight into the top corner leaving Murphy rooted to the spot.

The game was halted shortly afterwards when one of the Greenock players fell awkwardly and injured his arm holding the game up for 30 mins. After the restart, Greenock were given a boost when Kyle Danson was shown a second yellow and was sent for an early shower.

But it was Red Star who created enough chances to win several times over; Craig Miller was denied on three separate occasions, as was Mackay, Green and Zach Campbell, the Red Star coaches thought Zach’s shot was in but Greenock’s goal-keeper somehow pushed the shot by the post.

Chances also fell to Kieran Caskie and Cammy Lewis but no one could get passed the home keeper, frustrating the visitors.

The game finished with, firstly, Greenock being reduced to 10 men after the excellent Greenock keeper made a silly comment to the referee and was shown a second yellow for dissent.

And the last chance of the game fell to Zach Campbell who fired his shot from a quick corner just wide of the target.

The final score finished at 2-2

A spokesperson for Red Star said: “We wish the Greenock lad a speedy recovery, and a special mention goes out to Red Star’s Craig Miller who came to the aid of the stricken player, making sure he was comfortable and helping with his injury.”

Lochgilphead Red Star 1 Muirend 6

Greater Glasgow Premier AFL - President’s League Cup

Lochgilphead Red Star were at home on President’s League Cup duty on January 31, hosting Muirend AFC, a very experienced and well-established side who are a few leagues above the current young Red Star team.

The home team were missing some of the first team regulars, especially in defence with Craig Aitken dropping in along with Ryan Caskie, both of who normally play in midfield, and were two of Red Star’s better players on the day.

Changes were also made due to work commitments and injuries with Philips, Miller, Kyle Danson, Smith and Selfridge all missing from the starting lineup.
The first 15 mins saw both sides very evenly matched with very few chances being created at both ends, the deadlock was broken shortly afterwards when Woody Hoad was penalised for a tackle in the penalty area.

Up stepped Muirend’s midfielder to drive the ball past Leon Murphy.

What came next was poor from Red Star, who conceded three more goals in a 10-minute spell; goals which the opposition didn’t really have to work hard to earn.
Muirend were ruthless in front of goal and the half finished with a dejected home team heading off for a much-needed break.

The second half started well for Red Star as they looked better and more organised. With the introduction of fresh legs and moving players into their familiar roles, things started to look better, but with that being said they had to be on guard against the counter attack and this was the case when Muirend broke free and scored their fifth goal.

Red Star now had young Houston and McKay on and the energy from the youngsters seemed to inspire the home team and, after great team play, the ever-reliable Rhys Casci broke free and fired in a consolation goal, much to the delight of the home bench and supporters.

With only five minutes remaining Muirend were to finish off the day with their sixth goal, a slight hint of a free kick before hand but play continued and the Muirend centre forward finished from close range.

The final score was 1-6 to Muirend.

Next week Red Star are at home against current league leaders Eddlewood, who sit on 21 points with Star in fourth on 13 points.