Elliott Star came down to earth at Cuffley after last week's excellent win.

Star failed to show the mettle needed in a showdown of the Herts Premier League's two bottom clubs.

Cuffley had the run of play as Star seemed unable to get out of their own half.

To make matters worse, big Phil Reed, a towering force at the heart of the Star defence, came off with an injury five minutes into the game. He was replaced by young Allne Bennett, who had a good game. Star settled as the game progressed, but Cuffley were still doing the majority of the attacking, and had a couple of chances which they failed to take.

Star could have gone in front when a Flahive pass found Jones in front of goal, but his shot was blocked on the line.

Then Plumb took a free kick from the half way line. The ball soared into the Cuffley area, but Ben Taylor headed over the bar. Minutes later, Cuffley made ground on the right, and scored.

Mason then made a great save for Star, when it seemed certain Cuffley would score again.

Star were playing too deep, allowing Cuffley to play the long ball and pass to the runners up front, which kept Star penned in their own half.

After the break Star came out and started to play with some speed and determination.

It was no surprise when Tommy Flahive made his way up the right from defence and, in a lovely passing move, found himself in front of the Cuffley goal, and equalised.

This brought fresh hope for Star, and Danny Wicks was replaced by his younger brother John, who moved up front to add a bit of weight in attack.

Calamity followed when a long ball found the Cuffley winger and he went round Day and shot past Mason into net, for Cuffley's second.

Mckinny came on for Ben Taylor, but there was to be no way back for Star.

Cuffley deserved to win, and Star now have to start again.

STAR: Mason, Flahive, Reid, Day, D Wicks, Armitt, Buss, Plumb, Jones, L Reid, Taylor. Subs: A Bennett, J Mckinny, J Wicks.

Cuffley 2

Elliott Star 1

Herts Premier League

*On Saturday Elliot Star are at home to Croxley Guild.Cuffley get in a header against Star on Saturday in their Herts Premier victory

October 17, 2001 11:46