Castle Star keep the heat on leaders Ballyclare

In Junior Division One, second-placed Castle Star kept the heat on league leaders Ballyclare Comrades Reserves after they defeated Carnmoney 6-3 at Taylor’s Avenue 3G pitch. Castle went in front when Dean Meneely scored in the second minute, and doubled their lead through Mark Thompson.

Things got even better for the Carrick men when Meneely netted his second, followed by goal number four from Thompson. Carnmoney, four down inside 30 minutes, pulled two goals back before the break courtesy of Darren Jordan and Michael Streight.

Nathan Poulter scored Castle’s fifth after the interval but back came Carnmoney through Craig Montgomery in the 63rd minute.

Castle rounded things off with an 83rd-minute penalty which was converted by Warren Brown.

Junior Division Three: Clinical in front of goal, Red Star came away with all three points in their 3-2 win away to Clough Rangers Athletic.

Star went in front on 31 minutes through Ricky Johnston, before Paul Gilchrist scored the equaliser for Clough on the stroke of half-time.

Star edged ahead for a second time awhen Noel O’Connor netted in the 55th minute, but back came Clough with Gary Rock scoring on 68th minutes. With time running out, Stuart Thompson scored the all-important deciding goal in the 85th minute.

Bottom side Carrick Swifts upset the odds to claim a 1-1 draw at home to Division Three leaders Wakehurst Strollers.

After a steady start to the game, the Swifts went in front through Tom Kane who opened the scoring in the 18th minute. With the early goal in the bag, Swifts were content to sit and let Wakehurst come at them. Half-time was beckoning when Wakehurst drew level with Charles Allen finding the net. And, after a scoreless second session, that’s how it stayed.

Division Four: Forthriver lost 2-1 away at Ballysillan Swifts Reserves. Forthriver took an early lead but second-half strikes from Jonny McMullan and Scott McIntyre secured three points for the Belfast outfit.

Woodlands enjoyed a comfortable afternoon’s work in round two of the Canada Trophy with a 5-0 win at home to Chimney Corner Reserves. The Woodburn-based side’s goals came courtesy of Gary Scott, Jonny Parkes (two), Paul Addis and Thomas Ogilvie.

In the opening round of the Linda Welshman Memorial Cup, AFC Carrick cantered to an 8-1 win over 1st Carrickfergus OB. AFC goals were scored by Kenny Grealey (four), Michael Deignan (two), Jordan Cooper and Ryan Clawson.