Elliott Star 2 Wormley 1

Hertfordshire Senior County League

Star recorded a vital home victory in their fight against relegation.

They started the match well, played good football in midfield and James Ratteray marshalled the defence.

Wormley's impressive passing game meant the game flowed freely, but there were few chances for either side.

The scoring was opened in the 35th minute after Ross Marle broke down the right wing and crossed for Matt Hudson. His shot was blocked, but Sam Rickety headed in the rebound to put the home side ahead.

Wormley responded with a flurry of attacks, but Rick Brown and Rob Pringle at the core of the Star defence held firm until half time.

The visitors tore into Star and dominated the early exchanges of the second half. Wormley were awarded a free-kick 30 yards from goal, and the home side's defence was forced to scoop the ball off the line, but the rebound was volleyed in from 20 yards to level the match.

Star's new management team of Lee Talbot and Dennis Talbot, aided by sponge-man Ben Gunn-Taylor, made tactical changes and moved the tiring Tommy Flahive to a more advanced position, with Hudson slotting into midfield. As a result, Star began to get a foothold in the game and played with flourishing movement and sharp attacks. Sam Rickety and Hudson both went close with shots.

The reinvigorated home team kept going forward, and the players' efforts paid off when a forage into the Wormley penalty area saw Marle twist and curl a looping right-footed shot into the corner of the net to secure a well-deserved 2-1 victory.

Star's next game is away at Buntingford on Saturday.