Star hang on to remain unbeaten

Camelon Juniors were the latest visitors to New Victoria Park on McBookie.com East Super League business. The "Mariners" were a much changed side from the one who contested last season's Junior Cup semi final against Glenafton, with a great number of players leaving the club. However, the new look team had already drawn with last seasons champions Bo'ness so would be a tough test for unbeaten Star.

There was a good crowd on a fine afternoon for football.

The game started slowly with both sides looking to gain the upper hand in midfield.

Camelon had the first real scoring chance inside the first 10 minutes. A Ure corner was headed back across goal by centre back Burton and Wright fired just wide when he looked set to open the scoring.

There was little to choose between the sides in the first 20 minutes but slowly Star were gaining the upper hand. Thomson and Cherrie were pulling the strings, but despite some fine interplay there was no end product. Camelon got a fright when Thomson nearly caught out Clark from a free kick but the keeper turned his effort round the his near post- it was the portent of things to come!

After 25 minutes, good work by Cherrie on the left allowed full back Deland time to cross but his dangerous pass was was missed by everyone. After 31 minutes a miskick by Burton gave Renton a sight of goal but he fired over.

After 36 minutes Star won a free kick about 25 yards out on their right. Thomson stepped up and fired a superb finish into the far corner - a quality strike from an outstanding player.

Star ended the half on the front foot but couldn't add to their advantage.

Half Time: Newtongrange Star 1; Camelon Juniors 0

Star started the second half where they left off and Jamieson put in a dangerous cross which resulted in a corner. Thomson's corner ended up with Mattie King but his effort was blocked. Thomson next played in McManus but he finished like the full back he is!

After 57 minutes Star won another free kick awarded for hand ball. Once again Thomson stepped up and fired another terrific shot around the wall - this time low into the net. 2-0 and Camelon looked beaten.

However, the visitors thought differently and with Ure pulling the strings in midfield they crept back into things. The introduction of McLaren for Donaldson increased there options up front and after 67 minutes Cooper fired a magnificent goal from fully 30 yards- the ball swerving past the helpless Renton in the home goal. After 79 minutes McLaren fired in a fierce shot which Renton couldn't hold at the first attempt. A minute later, the usually dependable keeper again spilt a fierce shot by goalscorer Cooper, but Wright fired the rebound straight at him - anywhere else and the teams were level.

Camelon sensed a way back now and kept on the offensive but looked sure to come up short. However, In the last minute they thought they had won  a penalty for handball - as they argued with referee Millar, Star broke away and Jamieson squared for Cropley to finish and seal all three points.

The scoreline flattered Star and Camelon might well have taken a point. It was never a classic but the first three goals were top class. Best for the home team were Thomson - his goals were outstanding and his range of passing and vision, impressive- Cherrie and Kerr. Ure was best for the visitors and Coopers shooting was always a danger.

Star visit Armadale Thistle next week hoping to keep their unbeaten run going. Camelon will be hoping to get their first win when they host Musselburgh Athletic.

Full Time: Newtongrange Star 3; Camelon Juniors 1

Gordon Baird - Neutral Reporter