Stars hold fast

By Stuart Teather
THE Southern Stars held on against a fast-finishing Kingston City to claim a 2-1 victory in round 14 of the Men’s State League Division One competition on the weekend.
The Stars had the momentum in the first half, with Chris Driver getting the game going with a beautiful free kick that found the back of the net.
Not long after, Stars’ captain Fatih Akdogan pounced on a rebound after a smooth series of passes through the midfield opened up a shot on goal.
The game looked all but over at half-time, with the Stars clearly the superior side in the first half of play.
After the break Kingston City came out a different side, with Anthony Stavridis quickly converting to bring the lead back to one goal.
Kingston continued to press the attack for much of the half and squandered a number of opportunities, though Driver did hit the crossbar on an attack and was unlucky not to score.
Stars coach Dean Hennessy said his side’s first half was spectacular, but his charges lost focus after half-time.
“To be honest, the first half was the best we’ve played all year,” he said.
“I really couldn’t have asked any more of them, in the first half.
“At half-time we knew they’d try and come at us and to their credit they did … We thought the job was done at half-time.”
Looking at the season so far, Hennessy said it appeared his side had recovered from its four-game losing streak.
“Overall, we’re really pleased we’ve got two wins in a row,” he said. “I think every team has its moments.
“We’re only five points from promotion and we’re equal with two teams who’re supposed to be on a good run.”
Hennessy pointed to new defender Aaron Wilford and the return of Colin Quirk as two reasons his team broke its losing streak.
Wilford has played just two games for the side, but brings a wealth of experience having played professionally in Scotland.
Hennessy said Quirk, who was back from injury, provided drive from the backline and had a good attacking sense.
In other games, Dandenong Thunder firmed its position in the top two, beating FC Clifton Hill 3-0.
Ryan Davidson, Joseph Dilorio and Alfonso Opazo all scored as the Thunder cruised to victory at Kevin Bartlett Reserve.
The Springvale White Eagles fought out a tough 0-0 draw against Westgate, at a time when a win would have moved them up to sixth on the ladder and ahead of the pack.
State League Division Three South East play saw Doveton go down in a close encounter, surrendering a 2-1 half-time lead to Southern Suburbs to lose 3-2.
Leon Buhic and Hugo Reyes got the Doves off to a flyer, but the Southerners took the momentum in the second half and claimed the win.
Heatherton United had a 2-0 win over Brandon Park to hang onto second spot, with Springvale City hot on its heels after a 1-0 win over Sandringham City.
In State League Division Two South East, South Springvale suffered a 3-0 loss to the Eastern Lions, at Gardiners Creek Reserve.