Another striker set for Star

Jan 17 2013 by Stuart Gillespie, Galloway News

Dalbeattie Star are set to sign their second striker in as many weeks.

Graeme Bell will join the club after being released by Annan Athletic, following in the footsteps of ex Gretna and Threave Rovers forward Grant Middlemiss who completed his deal last week.

Player manager John MacBeth said: Its been on the backburner and it was just a case of waiting for him getting his release. It supposedly has come through and he has agreed to sign up and its going to be a great signing for us.

He gives us a different option because hes one of the best Ive seen at holding the ball in and laying it off to others. Hes first class at that Ive watched him doing it for Annan in the third division and defenders couldnt get near him.

Hes also a good finisher and he gives us experience as hes played a lot of East of Scotland and third division football.

Weve got some big league games coming up and it gives us that extra dimension. I think its going to be a great addition.

There was interest from other clubs in Grant but he decided he wanted to come and play with us.

Hes settled in really quickly with the boys and he came on on Saturday and looked lively.

Star cruised through to the second round of the Potts Cup on Saturday when they thrashed Nithsdale Wanderers 8-0.

After failing to find the net in the previous weeks hammering of Crichton, Scott Milligan was back on form and opened the scoring early on from a free-kick.

Hugh Cameron set up Lewis Sloan for the second and just before the break they were further in front when Martin Bells pass bounced past his own keeper.

There was no let up in the second half, Milligan playing in Gary Kerr to score before the striker headed home and then teed up Grant Parker for the sixth.

The favour was returned when Parker claimed an assist for Milligans hat-trick goal and the latter finished the scoring late on when he rounded ex Star goalie Darren Martin before stroking home.

It was another great performance, especially the second half, said MacBeth. Thats twice in a row weve come out in the second half and had a go.

At half-time 3-0 maybe flattered us. We set our stall out to attack and it left us exposed to counter attacks and they had a few, but we defended brilliantly as a back four and Ali Cathro pulled off three or four great saves. Our third goal was a backpass from the defender that bobbled over the keeper so it was maybe harsh.

The second half was one way traffic with wave after wave of attack and we looked really comfortable, missing a few chances as well.

Weather permitting Star are due to play Fleet Star at Islecroft this weekend.

MacBeth, Struan Parker and Paul Cook will all be out and Grant Parker is also a concern, with a trip to the physio likely to investigate the extent of a niggling injury.

Fleet Star are bottom of the league and conceded 10 to Threave Rovers last week but MacBeth isnt too concerned about complacency being an issue.

He said: Its always a worry but I dont think we really need to have to worry about it with the group of players we have. All games become easier if you work hard and if we work hard I think well get results against most teams.

The work rate has really impressed me, especially after the Christmas lay-off, and Im expecting more of the same. Fleet will come and set up the way they need to set up and well just need to do what we can to get a victory.