Sad Star lose their sparkle

2:48pm Wednesday 5th September 2001

A makeshift side comprised of youngsters and seasoned veterans failed to lift Star's early-season blues on Saturday afternoon.

Elliotts made an admittedly determined start, with Tommy Flahive going on a solo run through the centre of Sandridge's rearguard, but his effort lacked finish.

Then Star conceded their first goal of the day. Rovers' keeper launched the ball deep into Star's half, from where Sandridge's number ten lobbed it into the net.

Elliotts went on the offensive through Danny Plumb and O'Connell. Although they beat Sandridge's centre-half, their path was blocked by Rovers' keeper.

Star went two down when Sandridge's number seven netted with a header. The nightmare continued around the half-hour mark, as Sandridge made it 3-0.

Stu Love restored some of Star's pride shortly after with a decent right-footed volley.

Star, buoyed up by Love's strike, tried several times to extend their tally before the half-time whistle blew.

O'Connell went on a twisting run only to fire a searing shot past the post.

After the break, Sandridge penned Elliotts in. However, Cooper slipped off the shackles and broke away.

Once clear, he unleashed a 30-yard drive which flashed past the despairing keeper.

Star defender Lee Burton did well to smash a ball off the line, but Sandridge were not thwarted for long.

With 20 minutes to go, they made it 4-2, thanks to a free kick deftly converted into an on-target header.

The final nail in Star's coffin came three minutes later. A goalline clearance was botched and Rovers made it 5-2.