Stone Sunday league team Star FC progressed through to the final of the Charity Trophy after a hard-earned victory over Fulford on Sunday 11th March.
Manager Simon Marson had a strong squad to pick from, with only Grant Bigham and Chris Johnson missing for their fourth encounter of the season with nearby Fulford.
Star started the game slowly, and a had a combination of a goal line clearance from the excellent Will Jones, and the crossbar, to thank for not conceding an early goal.
The visitors were also thankful for a favourable decision by referee Dave Bekalo who appeared to miss a blatant foul just inside the penalty area by Luke Askey.
The home side were incensed by this decision, and their frustration was exacerbated as Star immediately broke down the left with Jake Charles who cut inside and smashed home the opening goal from 18 yards.
Star’s lead was short lived after Callum Moloney lost out in midfield and Tom Hissey failed to deal with a ball into the Star box, leaving Andy mason free to equalise for Fulford.
Marson, watched by former manager Steve Slater, re-jigged his side at half time, moving Charles back to his more familiar central striking role and switching to 442.
Star immediately looked more comfortable and were soon back ahead thanks to a powerful header from Luke Askey from a Callum Moloney corner.
Fulford thought they were back on level terms after Chris Mason slotted home having finally managed to shrug off the attentions of Adam Heath, only to see linesman Roger Pettit’s flag raised for offside.
Star continued to look comfortable despite the home side’s possession, and they soon stretched their lead with Jake Charles netting his 17th goal of the season to cap off a blistering display.
Marson introduced Steven Pickering, Dave Price and Dave Latham midway through the second half, and their quality helped Star see out a tetchy end to the game.
Star are enjoying a great season and are currently second in Uttoxeter Division One. Find out lots more at the Star FC website, or you can follow the club on Twitter.
