Football: Tryst's Taylor takes shine off Lothian shooting Stars

LOTHIAN STAR increased their lead at the top of the Edinburgh Sunday Amateur FA's First Division with a 3-1 win over Hunter's Tryst. Star currently have a four-point cushion over Tranent United, but the East Lothian outfit have played one game less, writes JANE RANKIN.

With the visitors rooted at the bottom of the table, Star might have thought the points were in the bag before a ball had been kicked but Hunter's Tryst's keeper Craig Taylor kept the home strikers at bay by pulling off some fantastic saves in the first 20 minutes.

The home team squandered a series of chances and ironically it took an own goal in the 27th minute to give Star the lead – a corner was flicked on and was deflected off a Tryst defender and into the net.

After that goal, Star dominated but, once again, Taylor pulled off some cracking saves until the 39th minute when veteran Alan Morgan scored from close range after a good run down the left by Scot Neill.

After half-time Star continued to dominate and shots were saved by Taylor from Neill and Ross Jenkinson. However, Tryst certainly showed their heart as they pushed forward to bring the score back to 2-1 courtesy of Robin Jacobs.

However, Star seemed to step up a gear after this and with 14 minutes left Stephen McNeill scored with a great header to put the result beyond doubt.

Although Star deserved the points it was a good performance from an ever-improving Hunter's Tryst team, who are sure to record their first win soon.

Tomorrow, weather permitting, there are some difficult ties in store for ESAFA teams in the third round of the Foster's Scottish Sunday Amateur Trophy with Dynamo Hibs travelling to Stirling to meet Milton Rovers and Leith AFC meeting Rutherglen Vultures in Glasgow.

In the Premier Division, LBC entertain Sighthill in a top-of-the-table clash whilst both Mayfield & Easthouses and SC United Edinburgh will be looking for points to improve their league positions.