Missed chances prove costly for North Star

Photo: Tim Bradley

HIGH FLYER . . . North Star's James Martin shoots.

North Star 2, Duke of Wellington 2

NORTH Star rued their missed chances as they were held to a draw by Duke of Wellington in Sun Chemical Division One of the Rochdale Sunday League.

The surface at Clayton was as good as perfect as spring flexed its muscles in the form of warm sunshine, creating ideal conditions for football.

What followed was just that in a highly entertaining game between two fairly evenly-matched sides.

As well as the promise of spring on the horizon, there was the early promise of goals galore as two goals were scored inside the opening seven minutes. But that turned out to be a false dawn.

Star were first to strike with a goal officially timed at 47 seconds when the outstanding Martin Sedgewick crossed from the left - as he did so competently throughout the 90 minutes - before an unfortunate Duke defender turned the ball into his own net to the bemusement of his goalkeeper.

But that same shot-stopper became an inspired performer, especially in the second half, saving what seemed innumerable Star opportunities to help his side to a share of the spoils.

Duke levelled, before a neat finish from Liam Flynn following excellent Sedgewick approach play edged Star ahead again.

Duke pulled themselves back into it once more with an equaliser just past the hour mark and, thanks to the heroics of their goalkeeper, held on for a draw.

Star player-manager Daniel Lewis said: "It was definitely two points lost as we had chance after chance after chance, six of which were clear-cut one-on-ones with their goalkeeper.

"It was a bad day at the office as far as our strikers were concerned."

High Crompton-based Star have only four games left to play, and Lewis added: "If we can get seven points from those games then we should find ourselves in mid-table and I'd be happy with that."

NORTH STAR: Jagger, Coleman, Hewitt, Lewis, Sedgewick, Donohoe, Kelly, Scarlett, Jones, Martin, Flynn. Subs: Stott, Brook, Lomax.

STAR MAN: Martin Sedgewick (North Star) - Main attacking threat from defensive position.

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