Elliott Star 1 Chipperfield 3

Herts Senior League

Manager Brian Renphrey watched Star lose another match they dominated and then moaned: "We should be sitting proudly on top of the table."

The search for new firepower is now on, following the defeat against Chipperfield, Renphrey hinted. "Perhaps we need a goalscorer," he said.

How Star failed to claim maximum points from this match was a mystery. In the first half, enough chances were created for Star to be at least five or six goals ahead. Added boss Brian: "If it was a boxing match the referee would have stopped the contest. We had so much possession it was unbelievable. If we had taken our chances in the first couple of minutes we would not be talking about a loss."

Within a minute of kick-off, Star's Matt Jones should have scored but he finished poorly.

Almost immediately Chipperfield went on the attack and a long punt forward caught central defender Phil Reid off guard and the ball was dispatched with ease.

Despite this early setback, Star continued to storm forward. Jones planted his header straight at the keeper after a superb cross from Rob Theophile.

The keeper then denied Jones once more after he was set up by Micky Fenton. Gavin Day missed a glorious opportunity to level matters up from close range a minute later.

Some dangerous crosses continued to be whipped in but no Star player could find the finish to match the pass.

Russ Agombar was the next player to squander a golden opportunity to score when he was put through by Jones but he was denied by a smart save.

Star found their form in front of goal just before half time. Gavin Day crossed from the right and Jones leapt above everyone to plant his header home.

The same player went close after the break after Plumb's through ball as Star's ineptness in front of goal continued.

A shot from Jones was parried by the keeper, and Agombar's effort just missed the post.

Chipperfield reverted to the long ball with time running out and went in front in the 81st minute.

Two minutes later, they increased their advantage direct from a 30-yard free kick to pile the misery on Star.

Star were just not fit or mean enough on the day, and could not capitalise on the amount of chances they created.

Added Renphrey: "We've got enough good players in the squad for me not to be too concerned. They're creating chances and once one goes in the floodgates may open."

Star entertain Agrevo Sports in round one of the Aubrey Cup this Saturday (3pm start).

STAR: Roseman, Dalli, Reid, Buss, Day, Theophile, Wicks, Plumb, Agombar, Jones, Fenton.

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