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ON SUNDAY August 12 Red Star played host to Paisley Amateurs in what was their last game of their pre-season. With the game against Oban Saints cancelled the day before this game was always in doubt but went ahead despite the conditions. Star were almost at full strength with only Asen, A Morrison and E Macdonald unavailable
Star started off the brighter side with the greasy surface helping with slick passing moves and it was one such move in the opening seven minutes that led to Russell grabbing the opener as he placed the ball past the dive of the goalkeeper.
The Stag Hotel-sponsored side were then two up five minutes later through an unexpected goal scorer, Robert Baxter took a kick out on the edge of his 18 yard box which sailed through the air and as the opposition keeper came out to collect it bounced of the wet surface and over him into the empty net. Surely a contender for goal of the season.
The home side were cruising at this point and could have added more goals through Russell, Houston and D Campbell who all had good chances. But a third goal was on its way and was scored by C Houston who beat the keeper with ease to add to his tally of pre-season goals.
Going three down sparked the away team into action and forced a corner on the left. Through sloppy defending the Paisley number nine scored with a free header from six yards out to bring the score to 3-1 at half time.
With no changes at the break manager Moore sent his team out wanting more effort and hard work from his side. The L & A Mackay-sponsored side could have grabbed a fourth as Naisby broke down the left and flashed a ball across the face of goal to Phillips who cut inside the defender and rifled a shot which was well saved by the Keeper.
Red Star scored their fourth through another bizarre goal. As the ball was mis-kicked by the goalkeeper it landed at the feet of a defender 20 yards out and as D Campbell came to close him down, he tackled him and lobbed the keeper.
The last goal of the game fell to Paisley amateurs as C Campbell was adjudged to have fouled inside the box; the home side were awarded a soft penalty which was placed to the right past the dive of Baxter.
This was the last game before the season kicks off this Saturday with a home game against Cambria with a 2.30pm kick off. Star go into the game full of confidence as they remain unbeaten in their matches.
However, they are without a number of key players who hav holiday commitments. All are reminded that training has now moved to the Ropework on a Tuesday and Thursday night at 6.30 pm. Newcomers are welcome to come along.
Team: Baxter, Macdougall, C Campbell, I Houston, Phillips, D Campbell, Broderick, Naisby, Russell, C Houston, S Crawford. Subs: G Crawford, D Boness, Weir, Macmillan
