By Roy Ward
SOUTHERN Stars took home a painful lesson following their 2-0 loss to Victorian Premier League powerhouse Oakleigh Cannons at Kingston Heath on Saturday night.
The Stars found out that two seconds of lapsed concentration can cost a side the match as a horror error gave the Cannons their first goal just before half-time, leaving the Stars to chase all through the second half.
Cannons striker Ricky Diaco was again Johnny on the spot after a horror mix-up between Stars keeper Frazer Siddall and defender Luke Fitzpatrick as Diaco slipped between the indecisive pair, tapping the ball past Siddall and then touching home a goal.
After holding possession for much of the second half the Cannons had a few nervous moments with the Stars able to create a couple of close chances from crosses.
But in the end, as the Stars pushed forward, impressive Cannons substitute Jeremy Walker bolted down the right side and set up a shot for Hayden Doyle, whose shot went low into the bottom left corner and sealed all three points.
The Stars’ night got no better when substitute striker Rudy Saglam was given a straight red card after clashing with Cannons defender Ari Drakos. Saglam had only come onto the pitch minutes earlier.
Stars coach Dean Hennessy said he wouldn’t blame individuals for the loss and implored his side to keep its faith after a strong showing against last season’s runners-up.
“We fell asleep just before half-time and it only takes a second or two and it can cost you a goal,” he said.
“That hurts right now but the positive is that we played with them for much of the game and created a few chances which with a bit of luck might have gone in. We have made a massive improvement since our first game.
“Their keeper made a couple of good saves and we were unable to get that goal. I wasn’t too disappointed about the second goal because we had to push forward and try to get the equaliser. I think we were worth a point tonight but it wasn’t to be.”
■ Two goals from Nathaniel Foster kept Dandenong Thunder’s unbeaten start to the season going yesterday.
The Thunder beat Bentleigh Greens 2-0 at George Andrews Reserve and now sits clear on top of the ladder from the Greens, who entered the match unbeaten.
Foster scored in the 37th and 51st minutes to seal the win, which was the Thunder’s sixth in succession. The Thunder kept a clean sheet for the fifth time in its first six games.
The Thunder visits Heidelberg United at Olympic Park this Sunday at 6pm.
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